ICSA not invited to attend the farming organisations' meeting with the Government

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) have not been invited to attend the meeting between the government and representative organisations scheduled for Friday

Vehicles take part on the fourth day of a National Fuel Protest against rising fuel prices on O'Connell Street in Dublin. 

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) have not been invited to the fuel prices meeting between the government and representative organisations.

The Irish Examiner understands that the body believes it was not invited due to ICSA president Sean McNamara’s open participation in the protests regarding the rising fuel prices, which are continuing into a fourth day.

In a statement regarding the lack of invitation, an ICSA spokesperson said: “ICSA has not received an invitation to today’s meeting.

"There is no doubt that the concerns being raised around fuel costs and the broader pressure on farm incomes are very real, and many of our members share those frustrations.” 

The spokesperson said: "While individual members, including officeholders, may choose to participate in protests in a personal capacity, those actions are not undertaken on behalf of ICSA and do not reflect an organisational mandate."

ICSA’s focus remains on ensuring that farmers’ concerns are addressed through direct and constructive engagement with Government, and we remain available to participate in those discussions.”