Talks on government formation between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party have entered a crucial phase, with agreement yet to be reached on a number of key topics, including agricultural issues such as methane emissions from livestock and the nitrates derogation.
If an agreement is to be reached between the three parties on a programme for government, it’s likely to be announced in the next couple of days and probably closer to the weekend.
The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the Green Party has softened its position on a number of issues important to farmers, including a total ban on live exports.
At the start of the talks, the Green Party had sought a total ban on all live exports to countries outside the EU, describing it as a “red line” issue for the party.
However, it is understood that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael strongly resisted this demand and a programme for government document, if agreed, will not include any reference to a ban on live exports to third countries.
On nitrates, it is likely the next government will carry out a review of Ireland’s nitrates derogation, in conjunction with the EPA, to assess its impact on water quality.
REPS Mark II
As reported last week, Fine Gael is pushing for carbon tax revenues from agriculture to be ring-fenced for a new agri-environmental programme, described as “REPS Mark II”.
However, like most issues related to agriculture, this has yet to be formally agreed.
The biggest stumbling block between the three parties remains how to achieve a 7% reduction in carbon emissions every year, including from agriculture.
It is understood that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are pushing for biogenic methane emissions from livestock to be treated differently for future reduction targets, which would be similar to the approach taken in New Zealand.
SHARING OPTIONS