The Sligo Champion

IFA welcomes changes to the state pension that better value the contributi­on of carers

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IFA PRESIDENT Joe Healy said the transport subsidy scheme announced by the Minister for Agricultur­e today will help to alleviate fodder problems, but more is needed.

Joe Healy said IFA had made a strong case to the Minister since the problem of fodder shortages, particular­ly in the North West, emerged last Autumn. Two meetings of the Fodder Action Group took place ahead of the IFA AGM last week, at which the Minister committed to the introducti­on of a transport subsidy scheme.

On the 100km rule to avail of the subsidy of €12 for hay and silage, and €8 for straw, Joe Healy said this is too inflexible and will have to be re-visited, along with any other aspects that are impractica­l.

He said the scheme should have the minimum of bureaucrac­y as this is a busy time of the year on farms.

IFA Connacht Regional Chairman Padraic Joyce said the IFA believes a meal voucher system would have been the best and most efficient means of providing support, but in the absence of such a scheme, it is vital that the transport subsidy scheme is opened immediatel­y as farmers are under extreme stress and are in dire need of feed for animals.

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