On pages 112 and 113 of A Programme for a Partnership Government, under the agriculture heading, the Government stated that farm families and rural communities must feel the effects of positive economic and social change. The reality is that many farm families are under serious financial pressure due to the fodder crisis. Some cannot pay many of their bills. The association of agricultural contractors claims that many farmers, due to the reduced cashflow, are unable to pay contractors for work carried out last year. Will the Government introduce a dedicated fund to help farmers pay outstanding debts as a result of this crisis?

While I have the floor, the Taoiseach did not answer Deputy Danny Healy-Rae's question. We were called road traffic terrorists.

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae is well able to defend himself.

Is the Taoiseach standing over what the Minister, Deputy Ross, called us last week?

I am sure Deputy Healy-Rae is well able to defend himself.

He did not get an answer.

The Deputy will find another opportunity-----

They all-----

I call the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, on agriculture.

The Deputy made reference to the crisis that occurred on some individual farms due to the prolonged period of bad weather and fodder shortages. The Department's response was appropriate and measured at all times, given what was a dynamic and changing situation. We have also introduced a widely availed of €150 million loan scheme at an interest rate of 2.59%. We are developing a further financial product accessible by and geared to the investment needs of farmers and fishermen. We also have to recognise the particular disadvantage of farmers eligible for the areas of natural constraint, ANC, scheme payments. We have provided an additional €25 million in 2018 for payments that will be targeted specifically at those who suffer the most disadvantage in respect of ANC classification.