The agriculture section in the draft programme for government lacks “specifics and funding details”, according to the president of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).
On an initial assessment of the document, Francie Gorman noted that the section focuses on many of the issues raised by IFA during the general election campaign last November.
“A lot of the commitments in the document are consistent with IFA policy, but it does not contain any clarity on the level of funding for farm schemes,” he said.
Programme for government
The IFA acknowledged the “strong commitments in relation to fighting to retain the nitrates derogation for our grass-based system” contained in the draft programme for government .
“The commitment to oppose the current Mercosur deal is also important as the changes made in December are of no help to Ireland. I also want to recognise the commitment on live exports,” Gorman said.
“We made a comprehensive submission to the political parties and candidates in advance of the election campaign and we invited the three main party leaders to address our National Council during the campaign.
“Many of the points raised have been referenced in the agriculture section of today’s draft programme for government document,” he added.
The IFA president said that he looked forward to an “early engagement” with the minister and ministers of state for agriculture, once the Government is formed next week.
“We have a number of priorities that will require strong political focus. Whoever is appointed minister will have to hit the ground running.
“We want to ensure that commitments made during the election campaign are carried through to the workings of the new government,” he said.
The draft document is being presented to the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parliamentary parties this afternoon (Wednesday, January 15).
The new government will consist of members from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, with the parties to be ratified by the newly formed, Regional Independent Group, along with Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae.