ICSA to become a social partner

THE Government is to invite the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association to become a social partner.

ICSA president Malcolm Thompson welcomed the move last night as Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan addressed the association’s annual general meeting in Athlone.

It means the ICSA will now join with the IFA, ICMSA, Macra na Feirme and co-op umbrella body ICOS as a member of the farming pillar in the partnership process.