B3-0407/94

Resolution on the damage caused by adverse weather conditions to the agricultural and fisheries sectors in Ireland

The European Parliament,

A.aware of the extremely bad weather conditions which have prevailed in Ireland for the past several months, including record levels of rainfall throughout the country,

B.whereas the weather conditions are causing serious difficulties for Irish farmers, including higher feed costs, lamb losses, lower productivity in the beef and milk sectors and lower yields in the cereals sector,

C.whereas the adverse weather has already resulted in losses to farmers estimated at over ECU 200 million and is forcing many farmers to increase their borrowings,

D.believing that these problems are being compounded by the continuing delays in the payment of EU livestock premia to farmers by the Irish authorities,

E.aware that the weather conditions have also resulted in serious difficulties for Irish fishermen, due to high winds and the fact that few of Ireland's fishing vessels can operate in these conditions,

1.Regrets that massive losses being suffered by the Irish agriculture and fishing sectors due to the extremely bad weather conditions;

2.Calls on the Commission to bring forward urgently a programme of assistance for those who have suffered major losses;

3.Demands that the Irish authorities take immediate action to ensure the swift payment of all livestock premia due to Irish farmers;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, Council and the Irish Government.