Bradley unhappy with Gildernew's answer to potato question

The question was asked to the Minister for Agriculture in the aftermath of the abnormal rainfall and severe frost that followed in mid January.

Mr. Bradley said, “About two weeks ago I asked the Minister of her assessment of the damage and I questioned her on her willingness to financially support the growers that lost out due to the adverse weather conditions.

“Part of the Minister’s reply was more-or-less as I had expected when she referred to the shortage of funding within her Department but the remainder of Minister Gildernew’s reply was far from what one would expect from a Minister that really understood or cared about the severity of the problem.

“The Minister in a rather casual type reply told me that in order not to raise expectation her Department has not assessed the loss at this time.

“She went on to advise me that she intends to make representation to the Executive on the issue and if agreement can be reached and money found she will then direct officials to assess the damage and financial loss.

“We all know only too well the lengthy delays in every issue that come before the Executive but the growers that lost out so heavily do not have time on their side. They need support now, right now.”

“Saying that she will one day bring the matter to the Executive confirms that the Minister is not taking the issue serious enough and would indicate that her reply to me was drawn up without due thought or consideration.

“I say so as I ask the question how is the Minister going to ask her Executive colleagues for relief funding for the growers if she does not know the value of the crops lost. Surely the starting point should be the assessment of the loss.

“I have made my views known to Ms. Gildernew in the hope that she will adapt a more positive attitude towards the growers faced with a financial crisis.”