Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has stated that Minister McConalogue’s latest reply on where the solution is for Forgotten Farmers shows it is “even further away”.

Teachta Kerrane has repeatedly urged Minister McConalogue to set out the details of his Department’s proposed scheme for Forgotten Farmers. Details of a proposed scheme were supposed to be announced in the first quarter of this year.

However, the Minister’s recent reply to a Parliamentary Question from Teachta Kerrane suggests that the Minister has no intention of announcing details anytime soon.

Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:

“The Minister’s response to my latest request for an update on a solution for the Forgotten Farmers does not provide any time frames or further details on what the proposed solution might be.

“This is deeply disappointing, given he had previously indicated that he would follow up with his Department on the matter when I queried him in the Dáil in May.

“His reply also referenced that a number of issues still require work, including ‘the funding required and consistency with public expenditure’, before eligibility requirements and scheme details can be finalised.

“I find it incredible that these details have not yet been ironed out, given the delay to introducing a solution and the fact that details of the scheme were supposed to be announced in the early months of this year.

“During that time we have had a Budget announcement, and the Minister has had ample opportunity to secure funding with regards to public expenditure as part of this annual process.

“In our Alternative Budget 2024, Sinn Féin included a proposal to provide compensation for the Forgotten Farmers, and we have included it in our previous Budget proposals too.

“The clear lack of urgency from this government in addressing the issue does not inspire hope that a scheme will be announced anytime soon and it seems likely this will now go into 2024.

“This can only be a further source of frustration for these Farmers, who have already waited far too long for a solution.

“I will continue to raise this matter with the Minister and demand that he prioritise introducing a solution for Forgotten Farmers. A scheme is needed for these Farmers, and it is needed now.”