The protection of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) payments has been called for by Brian Stanley, Sinn Féin's Agriculture spokesperson after a leaked document revealed that CAP could be facing a 19% cut in EU funding. Speaking at the European Council budget talks, Stanley said: “The Irish government, in particular Minister Creed, needs to go out and make a strong case for Irish farmers to ensure this does not happen. The news which has been leaked this week of a potential cut in funding of 14% to 19% would have a devastating impact for Irish farmers and rural Ireland."

Stanley also said that, according to the documents, the CAP budget would be reduced by €53.2bn over its six-year programme, an amount which would make many farms unsustainable.

“We are already facing the crisis of Brexit and the myriad of issues which will need to be addressed. Irish farmers then need to contend with the EU-Mercosur trade deal and the constant demand to reduce the suckler herd," Stanley added.

Payments

Stanley asked for the restructuring of payments to ensure that there is an upper payment limit of €60,000, with increased payments for farmers on the lower end of the scale.

“Ireland is a net contributor to the EU and as such we need to ensure that we use our voice at the CAP talks this week to reject any proposal to decrease CAP funding. The caretaker Fine Gael government must ensure this happens," he said.

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