Former chief executive of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Pat Smith has given his reaction to his High Court settlement with the farmers’ organisation, following an agreement earlier today.
The settlement is in the region of €1.9 million, with €350,000 agreed upon for defamation along with a €1.55 million severance package.
These proceedings related to the action for breach of contract in relation to the terms of his departure from the IFA and a separate defamation action relating to statements and comments made subsequent to his departure from the association.
Also Read: Settlement reached between Pat Smith and the IFACommenting on the settlement today in the High Court of litigation brought against the association, Smith said that he and his family are pleased that matters with his former employers – the IFA – have been settled.
He said that he is “very proud” of the organisation he left behind and of his record of delivery.
He also added that he is proud of the many innovations and achievements made during his career with the IFA, that will be a “lasting positive legacy for the association and its membership”.
Smith said it had been a great honour to work for Irish farmers and the agri-food industry and he wished farm families and the sector every success for the future.
He took the opportunity to thank his wife Libby and his extended family and those personal, farming and business friends across the country whose support was highly valued during a turbulent time.
Smith was employed by the IFA for more than 26 years and was chief executive for nearly seven years, until his employment terminated by agreement in November 2015.
In a statement read out in court this afternoon, the IFA accepted that Smith was “a highly effective, hardworking and dedicated executive of the association who provided solid and professional leadership for farmers and the association”.