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The Dáil must be reconvened and a new Minister for Agriculture appointed without delay, Sinn Féin agriculture spokesperson Matt Carthy has said.
It comes following the resignation of Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Dara Calleary.
The Minister resigned on Friday morning after it emerged on Thursday that he had attended an event in the west of Ireland earlier in the week where more than 80 people were present.
Reacting to Calleary’s resignation, Carthy said: “This is a crucial period for Irish agriculture and fishing. Rural communities need focus and resolve in facing the challenges presented by Brexit, coronavirus and the long-standing inequalities in these sectors.
“Instead, they have got chaos and dysfunction.”
Brief
An Taoiseach Michéal Martin has announced he will fill the agriculture brief for the next three weeks until the Dáil is officially due to reconvene and a new minister can be appointed.
However, Carthy has said that a new minister is needed immediately.
“The suggestion that the Taoiseach can moonlight in that role when the Brexit talks recommence next week is nonsensical.
“The Dáil must be reconvened so that all ministers can be held accountable for their actions. Especially we need an appointment of a new Minister for Agriculture who will work with us to deliver fair prices, fair play and a fair CAP for our farmers, fishers and rural communities.”
Failing farmers
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has said this government is failing farmers by ensuring they are not being adequately represented.
“This year has been terrible for Irish agriculture. The Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit uncertainty and a sustained period of depressed beef prices has left farmers requiring strong leadership and financial assistance.
“Once again, agriculture is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons and issues like CAP reform will have to be shelved for another while. Farmers deserve much better.”
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