Minister rejects suggestion of red cards for SPS breaches

The issuing of initial red and yellow cards to farmers for breaches of cross compliance under the Single Payment Scheme should be considered.

Carlow-Kilkenny Fine Gael TD Pat Deering suggested the move in a Dáil question as an alternative to imposing a financial penalty on farmers at the first stage.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said there is no provision for a red or yellow card procedure but a tolerance system has been implemented.