Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith says farmers could be facing further financial difficulties should a proposed increase in excise on agricultural diesel gets the go ahead.

Deputy Smith made the comments following reports that the Government is considering increasing the excise on agricultural diesel in the next budget.

“Farmers across Cavan and Monaghan have been crippled in recent years due to low prices, market volatility and lack of competition in some sectors. The pressure has only increased over the last 12 months due to poor weather conditions and the fallout associated with Brexit. The end result is that many farmers are already facing severe cash flow problems and are finding it difficult to secure credit from banks,” said Deputy Brendan Smith.

“In the midst of this crisis the Government is seemingly considering increasing the excise duty on agricultural diesel in the Budget. This will only cause further hardship for farmers. The Government should be looking to ease the financial pressure on farming families, not intensify it.

“The upcoming budget must focus on assisting farmers and not compound the problems they already have to deal with. Fianna Fáil is committed to protecting and developing agriculture for the 140,000 farming families across the country. Farmers act as the main driver of the rural economy and this must be recognised in the upcoming budget.

“Minister Noonan needs to firmly rule out this draft proposal to increase excise duty on agriculture diesel. Such an increase will only serve to further increase the strain on farming families,” concluded Deputy Smith.