ICSA calls for 10% public expenditure cut

The Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers' Association has called for an average 10% cut across all sectors of public expenditure as the only fair and effective way to deal with the budgetary crisis.

In its pre-Budget submission, the ICSA said that this would result in a necessary adjustment of almost €5.5bn.

However, it says its plan would improve competitiveness, support exports and is a better model than those produced in the two previous Budgets.

ICSA President Malcolm Thompson said that this would be a fairer and more workable package for farming as well.

He said that instead of closing down REPS, the Government should keep it open for all participants at a rate of 10% less.

The association also believes that the Government should put the Disadvantaged Area payment at €231m rather than €220m. The ICSA feels these measures would be consistent with an across-the-board cut of 10%.

Mr Thompson said installation aid for young farmers should be re-introduced immediately at a rate of €6,750, as well as re-opening the Early Retirement Scheme at a rate of 10% less.

He believes it is impossible to understand how the Government continues with the pretence that it is treating all sectors in an even-handed way.

The association says severe cuts have already been applied to farming and more were detailed in the McCarthy report, yet there is no decision on how to tackle the biggest spending areas of public sector pay and social welfare.