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.

“In rural areas, many jobs can be maintained by a viable agricultural sector, provided the Government carefully considers its strategy on Bord Snip and other cuts,” he said.

Mr Thompson said a 20% cut in the Fás budget would free up €200m. The Bord Snip report estimated that closing the REPS scheme would deliver savings of €80m, although that figure will increase in the medium term.

“I believe that a cut in Fás costs could generate more than enough savings to keep REPS in place, and indeed, could help maintain other important supports as well,” he said.

Mr Thompson said the closing of REPS will have devastating knock-on effects such as a sharp increase in farmer eligibility for Farm Assist – adding to the social welfare bill

A complete collapse of REPS work, leading to increased unemployment in rural areas would also result.

Increased demand for community employment and rural social schemes would add to Fás and other Government costs

“It is critical to realise that the REPS scheme has been an outstanding success in supporting rural employment.

“Many of the measures are labour intensive, including building works, stonewall and hedgerow maintenance and tree-planting.

“The REPS is not just about keeping farmers in business. It is also about the maintenance of jobs in rural areas,” he said.-