The Dealer understands that the agriculture committee of the Fine Gael parliamentary party has overwhelmingly endorsed the full government funding as part of the Rural Development Programme (RDP).

The committee met last week where its members all agreed to pursue the full funding rate of 50:50.

Speaking to a member of the committee, they then wrote to An Taoiseach Enda Kenny outlining the importance of full co-funding.

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The entire Fine Gael parliamentary party met late last week where a ‘robust and strong’ discussion on the issue took place.

It is understood that as many as 20 TDs from across the country put forward the case for full government co-funding.

Fearful

Rural TDs from east and west said they are ‘fearful’ of a two-tier economy being created should the full co-funding rate not be met.

The Minister for Agriculture was also on hand to try to convince An Taoiseach on the need of full co-funding.

The IFA is due to meet with the Fine Gael agriculture committee today (Thursday) where they will again put forward their case on the matter and the need to support the local, rural economy.

I’m told that a decision from the government is expected as soon as next week.

The cabinet will meet on Tuesday and the co-funding rate is thought to be high on the agenda at the meeting.

A number of sources in the Fine Gael party told me that they remain unconvinced on the Taoiseach’s commitment to 50% co-funding but at the least expect 45% or 47% of national funding.