Coveney: I haven't bowed to pressures over CAP

Simon Coveney, the Minister for Agriculture, says he has not bowed to pressures from the European Commission in relation to cuts under the Common Agricultural Policy.

He is defending his proposals to cut farm payments to highly paid farmers and increase the payments of those who are currently on lower incomes.

The Irish Farmer's Association argues that any cuts to farmers’ incomes will have a devastating effect on the industry by impacting jobs and exports.

But Minister Coveney says this is not the case and he says he has the backing of many farmers.

“We held huge public meetings for farmers and I outlined my position clearly at that stage and got a strong endorsement from Irish farmers all over the country for the position I’m adopting.

“We will stick with that position now. I haven’t taken a backwards step and I’m not going to take one.

“I’m trying to get a balanced and fair distribution of money that will benefit all farmers in Ireland and I will continue to do that.”