IFA reject requirements on inspections
THE IFA strongly rejected new inspection requirements which involve assembling livestock for reading identity tags. The new proposals are way over the top and the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney must intervene to ensure a more farmer friendly inspection regime.
The Department should be able to obtain a reasonable sample of tags without bringing all animals into the farmer's yard. Assembling animals involves a considerable workload, creates undue stress, adds to costs, and is another farm safety risk. The unannounced inspections are totally unacceptable and IFA is demanding that no inspector arrives on a farm without reasonable prior notice.
IFA also highlighted the need for better co-ordination of inspections and the avoidance of duplication as well as increased tolerances, reduced penalties and a strict adherence to prompt payment deadlines. Farmers will not tolerate a repeat of last year, where applicants selected for inspection encountered long payment delays.
- IFA DEPUTY PRESIDENT EDDIE DOWNEY
