Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has welcomed the acceptance of Sinn Féin amendments to a Seanad motion on agriculture.
The amendments, which received cross party support in the Seanad, look to strengthen supports for farm families dealing with Bovine TB as well as calling for clear opposition to the Mercosur trade deal.
The European Union–Mercosur free trade agreement is a proposed free trade agreement on which the European Union and a South American trade bloc.
Its full members are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Venezuela is a full member but has been suspended since 1 December 2016. Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Peru, and Suriname are associate countries.
Speaking after the debate, Senator McCormack said: “Over the past week I met with the IFA and with farmers from across Laois, who raised real concerns about the impact of Bovine TB, the losses they are facing, and the unfairness of current compensation levels.
“Listening to them, and working with my Sinn Féin colleagues, we brought forward these amendments to ensure farmers’ voices are heard.
“I am very glad that Senators from government parties accepted our proposals. This is a positive step that shows when we put politics aside, we can stand together for farm families.”
The Sinn Féin amendments call on the Government to:
- implement the Bovine TB Action Plan while addressing farmers’ concerns;
- provide funding to increase the maximum valuation for TB reactor cattle so that compensation reflects real market value;
- oppose the Mercosur trade deal and defend the interests of Irish family farms.
Senator McCormack continued: “TB is spiralling out of control. Last year over 41,000 cattle were lost, and already this year more than 43,000 reactors.
“I have spoken to farmers in Laois who have lost bloodlines built up over generations, and then faced valuations that fall €1,000 or more below the real value of their animals. That is not fair and it is not sustainable.
“Farmers are committed to eradicating TB, but they cannot be left footing the bill.
“They deserve fairness, proper compensation and respect. Our amendments strengthen this motion to deliver exactly that.”
On Mercosur, Senator McCormack said: “The Mercosur trade deal is a bad deal for Irish and EU farmers.
“It would create an uneven playing field where our farmers must meet the highest standards while competitors abroad are not subject to the same requirements.
“Sinn Féin has been consistent in opposing this deal and we will continue to stand with our beef and poultry farmers against it.”
Concluding, Senator McCormack said: “The passing of the motion with our amendments, is a good example of what can be achieved when political parties work together in the interests of rural Ireland.
“However, this motion must be followed up by real action and commitment from the government – not just words.
“Sinn Féin will continue to work constructively, but also firmly, to deliver fairness for farm families in Laois and across the country.”
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