July 11th

ICSA President Patrick Kent has commented on today’s announcement that Simon Coveney will remain in the position of Minister for Agriculture, also taking on the Defence portfolio.

“Now that months of speculation surrounding Mr. Coveney’s position are at an end, ICSA wants to see him re-focussing on the ongoing beef crisis,” said Mr. Kent. “The Minister must also now deal with the fact that more than 10,000 farmers have appealed what they perceive as unjust LPIS penalties.”

“ICSA is also concerned about the addition of the Defence portfolio to the Minister’s brief,” said Mr. Kent. “We hope this won’t distract Minister Coveney from the key issues in agriculture, and particularly the current crisis in the beef sector.”