War of words over call for department overhaul

A WAR of words has broken out over the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture after an ICMSA call for it to be radically overhauled.

ICMSA president Pat O’Rourke said a shake-up of the department was needed to reduce the huge cost burden on the sector and to focus on providing an efficient service for a modern, profitable farming industry.

Minister for Agriculture Joe Walsh said he was disappointed with the lack of understanding in the ICMSA statement, which did not seem to be aware of the department’s remit.