Debate on farm scheme cuts delayed
The party’s agriculture spokesman Michael Creed TD said the minister needs to be held accountable for the inequitable cuts in farm schemes. This would be best served by ensuring he was in the House during the debate.
“We will be submitting the motion again for debate once we are assured that the minister will be present,” he said.
The motion calls for the reversal of cutbacks in the disadvantaged area scheme and the restoration of the installation aid and early retirement schemes. It was to have been debated in the Dáil tomorrow night and on Wednesday.
Mr Smith travelled to the US at the weekend with Enterprise Ireland to promote Ireland’s food investment and innovation strategy. He will meet with business leaders from a wide range of Irish and US food companies, including representatives of US companies with a significant presence in Ireland.
Mr Smith said the Irish agri-food and drink sector was of significant importance to the economy, both in terms of exports and employment.
He said he would impress upon US business leaders the priority the Government and Enterprise Ireland placed on the development of the Irish food sector.
The minister said he would also point out the benefits of collaborating with Irish food companies, including access to leading food science and technology research in Ireland.
“It is critically important that every opportunity is taken to protect existing jobs and to explore opportunities for increased investment and job creation,” he said.
Mr Smith said he was anxious to provide whatever assistance he could to Irish food companies to further develop their opportunities in the US.
He said he would be meeting with individual Irish companies, including Glanbia and Kerry Foods, as well as the Irish Dairy Board, Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland.
Mr Smith said Ireland was a very successful and attractive location for multinational food companies. The food investment and innovation strategy would enhance and support an increasing level of industry collaboration with Irish food research institutes, he said.
