Government accused of pandering to needs of farmers

UNIONS at the country’s only remaining sugar factory in Mallow last night accused the Government of pandering to the needs of farmers as the firm closes with the loss of 324 jobs.

As workers prepare to battle for their share of compensation, SIPTU said it was unfair 3,700 farmers could claim compensation even though new crops would be planted to replace beet.

SIPTU's national industrial secretary Gerry McCormac said: "Farmers will continue to be paid subsidies, even though they don't have to grow beet and they can grow alternative crops such as barley and wheat."