It is not just a fodder crisis but a fodder famine. The Government does not have a co-ordinated policy to deal with the issue. When Fianna Fáil was in power, all the farming organisations would be outside Leinster House protesting on such an issue, but that would not be necessary because the former Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, would have taken decisive clear action. Some 846 cattle have been picked up dead by a company in east Galway in the past seven days. These cattle will never be replaced. Cows with calves cannot even get up and are dying.

When one goes through the countryside and sees the devastation, it is unbelievable. The reaction of this Government reminds me of the reaction of the British Government over 150 years ago.

Come off it.

That is how bad it is. I have never come across-----

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

If I was in that Department, I would utilise the Army to distribute fodder throughout the country.

We have to get the fodder first.

Senator Leyden to continue, without interruption.

It is the most diabolical response ever to a crisis in this country. I cannot believe it.

The Senator is well over time.

The Government cannot even appoint a Minister of State in that Department. It is afraid to appoint a Minister of State to assist the Minister. I am appalled by what is going on at this stage.

The Senator is way over time.

One farmer from Cahirciveen drove a tractor and trailer to Roscommon to collect a few bales. That is how serious the situation is.

I call Senator Paul Coghlan.

The Government is standing idly by. It is doing nothing and farmers are feeding straw.