Walsh's action fails to halt tractorcade
Also last night, Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh defended his record in office amid calls from farm leaders for him to resign.
Amid growing pressure ahead of the arrival of the farmers' tractorcade in the centre of Dublin today, the Government said it was committed to the future of the farming sector.
In response to growing criticism of its handling of the dispute and the farmers' grievances, the Government acknowledged the concern about the future of farming.
In a statement, the Government said every effort was being made to minimise the degree of inconvenience arising from the farmers' protest. Contacts were ongoing between the protesters and the gardaí but the potential for traffic disruption was likely to increase, it said.
But the statement insisted the State's approach was based on the importance of the agricultural sector in terms of sustaining rural Ireland and as the major natural resource-based industry.
"The Minister for Agriculture and Food has, on a number of occasions, outlined the extent of the support which is provided for the sector, given its important economic and social role," the Government said.
The statement also said the State recognised that farmers faced a difficult economic and operating environment and acknowledged the concern about the future which prompted many people to protest.
"However, the Government is convinced that the only way to meet these concerns effectively is through constructive dialogue and engagement as has been offered by the minister."
Despite the deteriorating relations with the Irish Farmers Association as their nationwide protest entered its fifth day, Mr Walsh said he had no difficulty doing business with farmers.
"I find the present IFA leader John Dillon to be a robust advocate for farmers," he said, adding that Mr Dillon was one of best farm leaders in recent years.
Rejecting suggestions that he was not adequately supporting farm incomes, Mr Walsh pointed to the Foot and Mouth crisis as a prime example of his effectiveness. The minister said he had succeeded in getting important concession for farmers.
But IFA president Mr Dillon warned that farmers' patience with the Government over agricultural incomes was now at breaking point.
Farmers were angry and frustrated with the Government's position but he had been measured and disciplined until now, he said.
Setting out his list of 10 demands that he said would resolve the dispute if agreed by the Mr Walsh, Mr Dillon said these demands have been on the table for the past six months.
Top of the list of demands is that Mr Walsh publicly acknowledges the crisis in farm incomes and pledges to ensure a future for family farming in Ireland.
