Tillage farmer rescue package
Deputy Collins pressed for promised financial aid for tillage farmers hit by repeated weather-related crop losses. The Taoiseach said it was a ministerial decision, not legislation, and would ask the Agriculture Minister to respond.
Tillage farmers along the south-west coast suffered huge grain crop losses last harvest due to shockingly bad weather It was the third year in a row that they experienced such losses. In mid-January, the Dáil voted to direct the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a rescue package for grain farmers but, as yet, these hard-pressed farmers have not received any financial aid. Will the Taoiseach tell us if this is going to happen and when?
Comment on this
That is not a matter for legislation; it is a matter for decision by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I will have him respond to Deputy Collins. He is well aware of the details of the matter.
Comment on this
Supporting tillage farmers is not a matter for promised legislation.