KILLEEN SAYS FIANNA FAIL POLICY DOCUMENT ON FARMING IS RESPONSIVE TO NEEDS OF IRISH FARMERS
Minister for Labour Affairs and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has described today's publication of Fianna Fail's Policy Document on farming as "responsive to the needs and concerns of the Irish farming community."
(Media-Newswire.com) - IRELAND, Monday, 23 April 2007 - Minister for Labour Affairs and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has described today's publication of Fianna Fail's Policy Document on farming as "responsive to the needs and concerns of the Irish farming community."
Minister Killeen said that the document, entitled 'The Next Steps Forward for Farming Communities', was designed to enhance the competitiveness of Irish agriculture in the face of projected changes in EU and World Trade policies. He added that the policy document clearly outlined strategies aimed at protecting the future viability of the family farm, which he described as key to Ireland’s economic and social progress in the years ahead.
Commenting on the challenges faced by Irish agriculture from foreign markets, Minister Killeen said, "All farmers face the challenge of reducing the cost of inputs while striving to have high quality marketable products, which will attract a premium price. Food producers face challenges from South America and Australia, which can only be met by producing quality food that is attractive to the consumer."
"The EU and World Trade policies will change during the next five years. The Irish Government has today set out its stall regarding how it will pro actively influence these changes. I am confident that the successes enjoyed by Irish food exporters, with the help of Bord Bia over the last five years, will be acted upon by the current farmer-friendly Government", the Minister added.
He continued, "Farming is essentially about food production while markets across Europe pay top prices for Irish food and live exports. Europe is the most important market, specifically for top quality products. Other markets remain strategically important but our aim must be to direct the bulk of our output to the most lucrative market in Europe. The Fianna Fail policy document clearly sets out achievable targets in terms of enhancing out strong position in Europe while protecting our long-term economic well-being."
The Minister pointed to the Government's targeting of unprecedented levels of Exchequer funding to the agricultural sector as an indication of its steadfast commitment to promoting and protecting Irish agriculture.
"In today's policy document, Fianna Fail is reassuring the farming community of its commitment to ensuring that agriculture and the future viability of the family farm remain the mainstay of a vibrant diversifying local rural economy. The party is saying that farming in rural Ireland has a future, which it will work to protect and enhance. These commitments are also backed up by actions, as seen in the recent targeting of EUR8.7 billion at agriculture under the new National Development Plan", he added.
Minister Killeen said that Fianna Faíl was committed to the viability of all sectors of Irish agriculture including the Beef, Dairy, Sheepmeat, Cereals, Pigmeat & Poultry, Horticulture, Equine and Organics sectors.
He stated, "We must not lose sight of the fact that Irish farming is diversifying and changing in the midst of increased costs and the challenges faced from foreign markets. Fianna Fail will address this changing landscape by launching a significantly enhanced Dairy Hygiene Scheme; extending 'country of origin' labelling to the sheep, pig and poultry meat sectors; supporting organic farming with grant aid for on and off farm facilities; investing EUR50 million in grant aid for the modernisation of horticultural holdings; ensuring the roll out of our Suckler Herd Scheme; opposing any moves to ban live exports; expanding the range and depth of our Quality Assurance Schemes; and introducing and implementing a vast range of other measures aimed at enhancing Irish farming. These policies show that Fianna Fail remains responsive to the needs and concerns of the Irish farming community."
Minister Killeen added that Fianna Faíl would continue to recognise the importance of animal welfare.
He said, "The European Union and the Irish Government recognise that the transport of animals to and from markets, to slaughter, and, particularly, on export journeys, is a matter of public concern. The new rules provided for in the EU Transport Regulation allow for the introduction of high standards of welfare and for animals to be treated in a humane way during transport. Fianna Faíl will continue to ensure that this Regulation is implemented fully while other necessary legislation is enacted."
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors: - Minister Killeen is available for interview and may be contacted on 0035387-2525304 or tony_killeen@entemp.ie. Alternatively, please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 0035386-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com. Pics are available on request. - Mr. Tony Killeen was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the 29th September 2004. Political Record: Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Science 2002 - 2004. Member Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Former Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Members' Interests in Dáil Éireann. Member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Body. Member of Clare County Council 1985 - 1997 ( Chairman 1989 - 1991, Vice-Chairman 1987 - 89 ). Chairman Co. Clare VEC ( 1991 - 1994 ). Former National Chairman of Fianna Fáil Councillors Association. Former member of Management Boards of Killaloe and Shannon Community Schools and Limerick R.T.C. Founder member Shannon Status Committee and Chairman 1989 - 1991.
Mark Dunphy Dunphy Public Relations Clonboula, Connolly, Ennis, County Clare IRELAND www.dunphypr.com media@dunphypr.com 00353-868534900 ( Mobile ) 00353-656839692 ( Fax )
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