Does the Tánaiste believe that advice will feed the cattle? His only solution seems to be more debt and more borrowing. Many farmers have already borrowed to their limit because of the crisis in farming last year. Is it the Government's intention, as was done in a similar situation in 1998 by the then Minister, Joe Walsh, to introduce measures to assist farmers in this crisis to ensure they can continue to feed their livestock, vital for their livelihoods and for the welfare of the animals in question?

Maybe we could change the weather.

I acknowledge the welcome Deputy Ó Cuív has given for the initiative taken by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, regarding the fuel allowance.

It is a pity she would not take some more initiatives.

We all agree that if these harsh weather conditions continue that there has to be an appropriate response to them.

Deputy Ó Cuív's difficulty with the issue of feed for livestock is that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, is already ahead of him and has already responded to the matter.

Nobody told the cattle.

Such as?

Another broken promise to the cows.

I have suggested that if there is surplus feedstock and fodder available, then it should be released.

Are we going to feed them bones?

That is very much in line with what the IFA requested. Yesterday, it requested “co-ops, feed mills and banks to continue to support their farmer customers and do everything to ensure adequate feed and cashflow is provided.”

Are we going to feed them money now?

Did the Tánaiste sign off on that?

The IFA has also called on farmers to “take stock of what fodder they have at this stage, and if they have some surplus, they should make it available to their fellow farmers who are in short supply”, a point derided by Deputy Ó Cuív.

The point is that they have none.

That is the position the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has taken.

No more hand-outs.

The sheds are empty just like the ballot boxes for Labour in Meath.

What is all the rumbling about? Settle down. Members are going on their holidays.

That means the little schoolboy from Offaly and his push bike.

Fianna Fáil is reduced to blaming the Government for the bad weather.

Labour is fairly reduced too.

I would say Labour has promised good weather too.

Labour even broke its promises to the lambs.