Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on agriculture Charlie McConalogue has called on the Minister for Agriculture to convene a meeting next week with his officials and farming organisations to discuss the best way to support farmers in the aftermath of the recent snowfall.

“We are in the middle of lambing and calving season, and animals which would normally be out in the fields are remaining indoors – this is creating a difficultly for farmers who may be running low on feed”, McConalogue said.

He added that the fodder fund established last year is "extremely limited".

McConologue and Sinn Féin Senator Rose Conway-Walsh have called for the scheme to be expanded to include meal vouchers and other payments.

“Vouchers need to be provided through the co-ops and feed merchants,” said Conway-Walsh. “Teagasc have already collected data on farmers’ needs which has identified areas most at risk. The vast majority of farmers will only apply for what they need to feed their livestock. A voucher limit can be set for each herd owner linked to their individual herd number.”

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