Fás budget cut could be used to fund rural protection scheme

A 20% cut in the Fás budget could be used to help fund the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and other productive programmes, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association says.

Malcolm Thompson, president, said it is clear from the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, as well as various other sources, that the€1 billion Fás budget was not carefully minded during the good times, when there was almost full employment.

“Although there is now a rapidly growing need for training and unemployment supports, it is important not to put the cart before the horse.