Fine Gael community, rural, and Gaeltacht affairs spokesperson, Michael Ring TD, said the Government’s failure to stand up for sheep farmers at EU level has led to the imposition of a costly and unnecessary electronic tagging system, when farm incomes are already at an all time low.
“It is absolutely ludicrous that a tagging system which is working perfectly fine is to be shelved in favour of a new compulsory electronic identification system,” Dep Ring said. “It has been estimated that this expensive and unnecessary measure will cost the sector €50 million and will drive thousands of sheep farmers out of the industry.
“At a time when farmers are struggling to make a living it is unbelievable that the Government should roll over while an unsustainable burden is foisted upon them. Once again the Government has failed to make the case for Irish farming in Europe and it is sheep farmers who will pay the price.”
