The Tánaiste Micheal Martin met with IFA president Tim Cullinane at the Horse and Jockey Hotel today before the Fianna Fáil two day meeting began. The IFA staged a protest outside the party gathering with farmers carrying signs saying “get it sorted Minister”. The protest comes following changes to the Nitrates Derogation as of January 1st and delays in payments to farmers as the new Common Agricultural Policy comes into effect. Fianna Fáil Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill says farmers who are negatively affected by changes to the nitrates derogation should receive financial assistance from the Government.
Addressing the meeting the Tánaiste says the party focus is on the challenges of today and the future with Mr Martin promising practical action. In the context of the next budget Mr Martin acknowledged the impact of rising interest rates and the war in Ukraine will have on decisions.
Mr Martin also acknowledged the impact of changes on farm families who he called
“the core of our largest indigenous industry.” The Party Leader also promised action on climate change and the housing crisis.
