Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has said the government are letting down the farming community as they fail to provide further clarity regarding the funding to support farmers ahead of Brexit.
He commented, “This government have been one of the worst for farmers. The Minister for Agriculture announced this new fund weeks before local elections and in the shadow of significant protests from the agriculture community.
“I have raised my concerns with the Minister and am disappointed with his response.
“Any aid package must ensure that the application process is simplified and timely. This follows reports that beef farmers will have to complete a series of actions to draw down funds under the package. The Minister must immediately announce the details of what farmers will have to do to get payments.
“The appropriate payments must be made to farmers urgently as they are living with uncertainty,” concluded Deputy Smith.