I raise the matter of a Carlow sheep farmer who recently lost 15 sheep in the floods. That might sound like a small number to many but to this farmer, it will present a significant financial impact. One of the sheep was a pure-bred ram and the other 14 were replacements. I acknowledge the supports offered by the Government in the immediate aftermath of the flood, but none of them seem to be available to this Carlow farmer. In fact, the Irish Red Cross said we should go to the Department of Social Protection. That Department sent us to the Department of agriculture, which sent us to the Department of enterprise, and so far, everybody has said "No" Will the Tánaiste provide some guidance and direction on where this Carlow farmer can seek some redress for his lost flock?

I thank Deputy Callaghan for her question. As is often the case, she has highlighted an issue which we need to give some consideration to. I am very conscious that in her part of the country, in my part of the country in the south east and in much of the east of the country, we saw significant rainfall over an extended period, with flooding, including of farmland, particularly in the east and south. Thankfully, with most cattle housed this time of year, the impact was somewhat limited compared to what it could have been if it had been a different time of year. We have not been experiencing a shortage of fodder either. We have seen some challenges in relation to slurry tanks at capacity and limited opportunities to spread organic manure. A number of schemes have been put in place but I need to speak with the Minister for agriculture to try to get some specific direction in relation to the sheep farmer the Deputy referenced. I undertake to engage with Government colleagues to see if there is anything we can do to assist and to come back to the Deputy directly.