Poor weather and crop losses
Mattie McGrath raises severe weather damage to crops and its consequences for farm incomes; the Taoiseach notes the extended slurry-spreading season and improved weather but does not announce further action.
Under the strategic infrastructure Bill, I asked several times before the recess about the disappointing weather conditions we had all year, particularly since the spring, and the damage that has been done to crops for farmers. When we have a flood in a small area, a special committee meets to deal with the issue. This is a huge issue that affects the rural population that is dependent on agriculture. It will have huge consequences for the winter if some action is not taken to look at this. It falls under the legislation for strategic infrastructure. The Taoiseach knows what I am talking about.
This is not a laughing matter. Deputies would not be laughing as much if they represented agricultural voters.
Comment on this
I am not sure what the Deputy is getting at but the Minister extended the slurry spreading season by two weeks. Clearly, the issue of poor weather in the early part of the season had a direct impact on farming incomes. I am glad that towards the close of the season, the weather improved, and great work was done, both day and night, to gather crops as farmers always do.