Two TDs have tonight pleaded with the Agriculture Minister Michael Creed to meet with a group of tillage farmers that have occupied the Department of Agriculture.
Members of the Irish Farmers' Association's grain committee have pledged to stay overnight in Agriculture House on Kildare Street.
The chairman of the committee, Liam Dunne, said that they are protesting over the fact Mr Creed "has not come out with details of the support scheme for farmers who lost crops last harvest.
"It has been a year now since the problem arose and while they have talked about various things, the details that have leaked so far are nowhere near what were agreed with officials the last time we met with them," he said.
Independent TDs Danny Healy-Rae and Mattie McGrath used some of their speaking time during a debate on the Rugby World Cup 2023 Bill to mention the protesting farmers.
TD @mattiemcgrathtd threatens to go into Minister Michael Creed’s office ‘to hunt him down’ to meet @IFAmedia protestors in Ag Hse @rtenews pic.twitter.com/OorlpnZPRb
— Conor McMorrow (@ConorMcMorrow) July 5, 2017
Mr Healy-Rae said, ""There are a group of farmers above in Agriculture House at this point in time, waiting to meet Minister Creed. They are seeking compensation for the loss of their crops last year.
"I am calling on the minister from the chamber here, those men are going to stay there until he goes up to meet them.
"Those men should be at home doing their work this evening but they are above waiting to get what is rightfully due to them."
Independent TD Mattie McGrath added, "I do agree with what Deputy Healy-Rae said. Those farmers should be at home tonight, watching their children playing matches, not up here in Ag House.
"Minister Creed has to go down to meet them. I will be up to his office in a minute to hunt him down."
