Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am happy that we have a number of hours in the House this afternoon for statements on weather-related supports for farmers throughout the country. I am mindful of the desperate plight of farmers during a very difficult winter and spring. The initial fodder support we have put in place through our co-operative system is to support the movement of fodder that is in the country from areas where there is more to areas where there is less to make sure that all can manage. As the weather improves, we will continue to monitor the sector and all areas of agriculture, not just livestock but also the tillage sector, which is also struggling. We will discuss that in more detail this afternoon. I take Deputy Feighan’s points on board and will bring them back to the Department.

See this speech in context