Watch: Fitzmaurice calls out faults in programme for govt
Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice said that farmers need "clarity" on the new programme for government to see "where they are going" during the next five years.
While parties were setting out election manifestos last year, Deputy Fitzmaurice said that Fianna Fáil "bettered" his party in the funds that it said would be provided for each eligible cow and calf.
Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice speaks about what the next members of ag house should focus on… pic.twitter.com/7ZD5v2AqcE
— Agriland (@AgrilandIreland) January 22, 2025
Independent Ireland had outlined that it would raise supports to €300, while Fianna Fáil had promised a higher price of €350. At the time Fine Gael said that its party would give €300.
However, Deputy Fitzmaurice said that there is "absolutely no figure" for a price farmers may be expecting in the recently published programme for government. He said there is also "no figure" for sheep or tillage.
"We need now a department of agriculture that sets out their stall for five years and has a very clear path forward, not things changing day by day.
"On top of that, the first thing that is coming in the door, in the next week or two, is the regulation in relation to 0.2 of a hectare of peatland," he said.
Deputy Fitzmaurice said that if the new Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine signs this regulation, that there will be many farmers in the midlands, west, north-west, and south that will "be in real trouble".
Upon the new minister's election in due course, Deputy Fitzmaurice said that the first thing they should focus on should be the delivery of delayed payments in terms of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).
He said that there are farmers who are still awaiting payments, despite having signed up to the scheme 18 months to two years ago, and have received clear inspections.
The deputy also said that the forestry situation is "in disarray", the nitrates derogation "needs sorting", and that it needs to be "signed into law" that nature restoration is "voluntary".
The dáil has been adjourned for the day, with no Taoiseach elected, and will continue tomorrow (Thursday, January 23). Cabinet positions will be finalised after the Taoiseach’s expected election.
