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07/05/2008
Irish Farmers 'Getting Their Facts Wrong': Mandelson
European Commissioner Peter Mandelson has accused the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) of lying to voters regarding the upcoming Lisbon Treaty.
On Tuesday, the IFA warned of a 'No' vote if its concerns about Mr Mandelson's World Trade Organisation talks, which are taking place in Doha in Qatar, were not allayed.
Farmers are concerned the talks could result in a deal which could ruin the Irish beef market.
The President of the association, Padraig Walshe, wrote to TD's and Senators earlier this week saying the treaty was a threat to farmers' livelihoods explaining that Peter Mandelson's approach was the "single obstacle" to farmers voting 'Yes' in the referendum.
Mr Mandelson has hit back however, saying farmers have to take stock of the importance of the treaty. He said: "The Irish Farmers Association are getting their facts wrong. The first step is for people to understand what's really at stake in these negotiations and why the Irish beef industry can and will be secured."
Mr Mandelson rejected claims by the IFA that a WTO deal will destroy the country's agriculture industry.
"For example, beef tariffs would not come down by 70% with a successful Doha deal, as some are suggesting in Ireland. We are proposing that beef be treated as a sensitive product and this means a reduction of just 23%," adding: "Irish beef has a strong future."
However, the IFA's Mr Walshe pointed out that EU has affected Irish agriculture before, and that the introduction of larger exports could seriously damage the market for Irish Famers. He said: "Significantly, six years ago we had a thriving sugar industry in Ireland which is now gone and that happened as a direct result of the last WTO deal."
(DW/JM)
On Tuesday, the IFA warned of a 'No' vote if its concerns about Mr Mandelson's World Trade Organisation talks, which are taking place in Doha in Qatar, were not allayed.
Farmers are concerned the talks could result in a deal which could ruin the Irish beef market.
The President of the association, Padraig Walshe, wrote to TD's and Senators earlier this week saying the treaty was a threat to farmers' livelihoods explaining that Peter Mandelson's approach was the "single obstacle" to farmers voting 'Yes' in the referendum.
Mr Mandelson has hit back however, saying farmers have to take stock of the importance of the treaty. He said: "The Irish Farmers Association are getting their facts wrong. The first step is for people to understand what's really at stake in these negotiations and why the Irish beef industry can and will be secured."
Mr Mandelson rejected claims by the IFA that a WTO deal will destroy the country's agriculture industry.
"For example, beef tariffs would not come down by 70% with a successful Doha deal, as some are suggesting in Ireland. We are proposing that beef be treated as a sensitive product and this means a reduction of just 23%," adding: "Irish beef has a strong future."
However, the IFA's Mr Walshe pointed out that EU has affected Irish agriculture before, and that the introduction of larger exports could seriously damage the market for Irish Famers. He said: "Significantly, six years ago we had a thriving sugar industry in Ireland which is now gone and that happened as a direct result of the last WTO deal."
(DW/JM)
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21 July 2008
Farmers To Demonstrate Over Trade Talks
The long running dispute between Irish farmers and Peter Mandelson has sparked plans for a protest by Irish farmers. The Irish Famers Association (IFA) has said it plans to hold a demonstration outside Government Buildings on Monday to highlight what it believes is 'profoundly damaging' work by Mr Mandelson at the World Trade Organisation talks.
Farmers To Demonstrate Over Trade Talks
The long running dispute between Irish farmers and Peter Mandelson has sparked plans for a protest by Irish farmers. The Irish Famers Association (IFA) has said it plans to hold a demonstration outside Government Buildings on Monday to highlight what it believes is 'profoundly damaging' work by Mr Mandelson at the World Trade Organisation talks.
28 July 2008
IFA Claim Compromise WTO Proposals Will Damage Irish Industry
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has said the compromise proposal over a new global trade deal will seriously damage Irish farming. The agreement, would lead to a 23% reduction in EU beef tariffs over the next five years, as well as an import quota of 290,000 tonnes at very low tariff rates.
IFA Claim Compromise WTO Proposals Will Damage Irish Industry
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has said the compromise proposal over a new global trade deal will seriously damage Irish farming. The agreement, would lead to a 23% reduction in EU beef tariffs over the next five years, as well as an import quota of 290,000 tonnes at very low tariff rates.
16 May 2008
'Large Irish Presence' At Cannes
The focal point for the Irish film industry at the Cannes Film Festival, the Irish Pavilion, has opened again for business this week, with over 200 of the leading lights of the Irish film industry flying out to the festival to promote and sell new Irish cinema.
'Large Irish Presence' At Cannes
The focal point for the Irish film industry at the Cannes Film Festival, the Irish Pavilion, has opened again for business this week, with over 200 of the leading lights of the Irish film industry flying out to the festival to promote and sell new Irish cinema.
27 March 2012
China To Reconsider Irish Beef Imports
As a result of Enda Kenny’s trade mission to China the ban on Irish beef imports could be lifted as early as next year.
China To Reconsider Irish Beef Imports
As a result of Enda Kenny’s trade mission to China the ban on Irish beef imports could be lifted as early as next year.
16 August 2007
Army Ration Packs Come Under Fire
Irish farmers have objected to Brazilian beef being used in a quantity of ration packs destined for use by the Irish army. The Irish Farmers Association has called on the Irish Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea to investigate the procurement of ration packs from a British company that had used Brazilian beef in the meals.
Army Ration Packs Come Under Fire
Irish farmers have objected to Brazilian beef being used in a quantity of ration packs destined for use by the Irish army. The Irish Farmers Association has called on the Irish Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea to investigate the procurement of ration packs from a British company that had used Brazilian beef in the meals.
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