Government are trying to cover up CAP cuts - O' Connell

The Chairman of County Wexford Sinn Féin has accused the government of trying to cover up impending cuts contained in the upcoming reform of the EU Common Agriculture Policy. Oisin O' Connell said that proposals being pushed by EU Commissioner Dacian Ciolos could see farming payments being cut for farmers across the state.

Mr O' Connell said;

"Irelands economic recovery will depend in part on having a strong sustainable agricultural sector. At the moment farmers are feeling the pinch as much as anyone. Cuts in the past few years to agri grants have been disproportionately high. This summer was one of the worst on record and has left feeding particularly expensive. Agri diesel has increased by 54% in the last two years."

"CAP reform proposals being pushed by Commissioner Ciolos could see the cutting of vital farm payments for tens of thousands of Irish farmers as well as a reduction in rural development funding. Such cuts would be devastating for Irish farming and would directly result in more families being forced off the land."

"The Minister for Agriculture is well aware of the effects that this 'reform' could have on Irish farming. He and his government are engaged in an elaborate attempt to cover up the seriousness of these cuts, giving farmers a false sense of security and taking the pressure off themselves as they prepare for what could be the poison chalice of EU Presidency next year."

“Sinn Féin has outlined a series of proposals on CAP reform. These range from how funding should be distributed fairly to all farmers to how best we can use the functions of CAP to encourage as many young people, and new entrants, to become involved in agriculture as possible. If given the necessary supports, farming has the potential to provide a serious level of stimulus to this state.”