Talks bid to end row at farm offices

Crucial talks are to be held today in a bid to resolve the seven-week-old dispute over promotional opportunities at Department of Agriculture and Food offices.

Members of the Civil and Public Service Union (CPSU) and department officials will meet to discuss the dispute, which has resulted in the removal of more than 250 staff from the department’s payroll and the picketing of offices in Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Limerick and Cork.

The CPSU had planned to escalate the industrial action countrywide this week, but deferred this in the light of today’s talks.

Farm leaders, politicians and the agri-business sector have all highlighted the disruption being caused to farming and related activities by the ongoing dispute.

Last weekend, Agricultural Consultants Association president Eddie McQuinn pleaded with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to use his good office to sort out the problem.

CPSU assistant general secretary Kevin Gaughran said last night the union believes a solution is possible. ICMSA president Pat O’Rourke said the dispute was now causing serious problems for farmers regarding the movement of animals, scheme applications and payments. He welcomed co-operation between the CPSU and the department in addressing serious individual animal welfare cases as a necessary temporary solution.

"However, a permanent solution to this strike needs to be achieved.”