Agri Politics
Independent general election candidate and outgoing TD, Mattie McGrath has issued a stark warning about the crisis facing Irish family farms.
The leader of the Rural Independents, Mattie McGrath has claimed that scoring for some commonages under ACRES has been "extremely harsh".
The leader of the Rural Independent Group of TDs has called for a multi-million aid package for farmers in the upcoming budget.
Rural Life
The Rural Independent Group leader has called on the government to reverse the recent increase in fuel excise as "motorists are under siege".
Criticism has continued of the proposed plan to reduce emissions in transport, with one TD saying it "discriminates against rural areas".
The carbon tax liability of rural households is higher than for urban households, according to analysis by the Parliamentary Budget Office.
Agri-Business
The Rural Independent Group leader is calling on the Taoiseach to secure a two-year extension for Ireland's nitrates derogation.
The Taoiseach has acknowledged what he has described as the "unacceptable delays at the moment" when it comes to driving tests.
The Independent TD for Kerry Michael Healy-Rae claims the government has "failed Irish farmers" over the nitrates derogation decision.
Forestry
The government's afforestation licensing system has been labelled a "resounding failure" by the Rural Independent Group.
An overhaul of government policy is needed to "empower" rural communities according to the Rural Independent Group of TDs
Concerns have been raised that the 5% concrete levy coming into effect on September 1 will "exacerbate the challenges faced by farmers".
The Rural Independents accused Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue of dithering when it comes to supports for sheep farmers.
The Rural Independent Group of TDs has called on the government to acknowledge the rising costs of...
Sheep News
Rural TDs "stand firmly" with sheep farmers in their campaign for increased support by government, Deputy Mattie McGrath has said.
The Rural Independent TDs called for the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to examine energy companies' pricing practices.
Environment
The Rural Independent Group of TDs has said that proposals contained in a new climate report would "destroy" the livelihoods of farmers.
A Kerry TD has called on the government to implement an "extensive cull" of Sika deer across the country in the interest of farmers.
The Rural Independent Group of TDs has called for a four-week extension to the public consultation on the new national deer management plan.
Comments made by Minister Ryan in relation to the Climate Action Plan and a smaller national herd have been met with sharp criticism.
Minister McConalogue has been harshly criticised by the Rural Independent Group over his opposition to their Impaired Farm Credit Bill.
A bill aiming to protect family farms from vulture funds and provide low-interest loans for farmers will be debated in the Dáil tonight.
Dáil passes motion, tabled by the Rural Independent Group of TDs, that instructs the government to cap prices paid to wind farm operators.
