Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am extremely conscious of the pressure on farmers currently as a result of continuing and exceptional adverse weather conditions. As an initial response I re-convened the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers through this challenging period. I have also asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who are struggling.

In addition I have introduced a Fodder Transport Support Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged exceptional weather conditions and I have paused all non-essential farm inspections.

In relation to allowing farmers graze SAC land, there is generally no restriction in grazing SAC land but severe poaching of land is prohibited under Conditionality and farmers need to be mindful of this in the current poor ground conditions. In addition where grazing of livestock is an Action Requiring Consent (ARC) for a specific SAC site, permission should be sought from the NPWS before putting livestock on the SAC.