Farmers urged to set up new account to avoid losing payment

FARMERS have been urged to set up additional bank accounts with alternative providers to avoid having their single payments offset against existing debt later this year.

Galway West Fine Gael senator Fidelma Healy Eames said she was advising this course of action arising from the revelation that banks can confiscate people’s money on arrival into their account against monies owing in other accounts.

“This is potentially catastrophic for farmers who are dependent on the single farm premium for their annual budgetary needs.