Farmers to get significant financial package in coming weeks, Harris signals  

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris speaking at the media doorstep at the 82nd Fine Gael Ard Fheis at the Clayton Hotel, Galway. Picture: Dan Linehan

Farmers are to get a significant financial package in the coming weeks, incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris has signaled.

Mr Harris also wants to speed up the delivery of €250m in funding for 143,000 small businesses.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Harris said: "I am conscious of the pressure that farmers have faced particularly with the bad weather."

While the Fine Gael leader has ruled out a mini-budget, he said: "Even in years where there hasn't been a mini-budget, there has been an ability to respond to pressures as they arise."

Mr Harris said he will be working with colleagues in the Government to see what can be done practically for farmers.

Asked if this would mean a scheme for farmers in the coming weeks, Mr Harris said: "I think we have to have an open mind on this, I mean farmers are having an absolutely horrifically difficult time because of the weather.

"One of the first meetings I want to have is with the IFA and farming organisations and in years gone by we have managed to provide practical assistance when there has been bad weather and I don't think we should be found wanting in relation to this."

Turning to supports for small businesses, Mr Harris said: "We want to get the quarter of a billion euro for small businesses out to them really quickly. Not many of them have registered yet and I really want to get the message across that this is a very straightforward scheme, very low on paperwork.

"We reckon 143,000 businesses are eligible for some funding under that," he said of a support package already in place for firms.

He said that PRSI will be looked at. It is understood this could involved examining ways to support small businesses with the minimum wage increases through changes to PRSI.

Mr Harris is due to give a televised address at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis taking place in Galway today.