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Sinn Féin is seeking farmers and farm representatives to take part in its online consultation.
Party agricultural spokesperson Matt Carthy TD said that proposals were being sought to help save Ireland’s family farms.
“Family farms have been let down by successive governments. There are huge challenges and uncertainties coming down the line.
"Brexit, climate action, the new CAP and potentially devastating EU trade deals could potentially create new difficulties for a sector that is aging and facing increasing bureaucracy and regulation,” Carthy said.
I hope that we will hear from individual farmers
“The experiences of our family farmers must be heard in this process. That is why I am launching this consultation process to ensure that their voices are at the heart of Sinn Féin’s agriculture policy, so that we, in turn, can prepare to implement them in government if the incumbent Government fails to do so.
“I hope that we will hear from individual farmers, representative bodies, community organisations and anyone who has an interest in the future of our family farms and the rural communities that depend on them.”
A link to the survey can be found here.
Alternatively, submissions can be sent by email to matt.carthy@oir.ie or by post to: Matt Carthy TD, Leinster House, Dublin 2.
Meat factories
Carthy has also been outspoken on the issue of meat factory inspections, after it emerged that the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) gave meat factories 24 hours notice ahead of inspections.
“When the Dáil’s COVID committee discussed outbreaks in meat factories on 10 July, we learned that the HSA had not carried out a single unannounced inspection at any meat plant,” Carthy said.
“We also learned that Meat Industry Ireland had refused to meet with workers’ representatives to discuss their concerns. At that point representatives confirmed that there was no further mass-testing taking place at their plants.
“We cannot have a situation whereby thousands of businesses, such as local pubs, are forced to remain closed while the sources of considerable coronavirus outbreaks are not subjected to the full rigours of a robust inspection and testing regime.
“Government must regulate for the immediate closure and deep-clean of any plant with an outbreak, ensuring that workers are compensated for any loss of income.”
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