Farmers whose livelihoods have been affected by foot-and-mouth have been reminded they may qualify for a payment under the Farm Assist scheme.
This payment was introduced for farmers in financial difficulty in 1999. The current rate is £85.50 per week, with increases of £54 for a qualified adult and £13.20 for each child.
The Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, said his Department would take the current situation into account when assessing claims.