EU welcomes online publication of agricultural fund recipients

THE European Commission Representation in Ireland has welcomed a decision by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to publish EU payments to Irish farmers on its website from September 30.

Martin Territt, director of the commission’s representation in Dublin said last year alone, Ireland got about 2 billion in agriculture and rural development funds. He said that since Ireland joined the EU, it has received about €40bn in agricultural support.

Mr Territt said this is taxpayers’ money and it is very important that people know how it is spent.