Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor McGuinness has criticised the Government’s approach to the next EU budget, accusing Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of throwing in the towel before negotiations have even begun.

Deputy McGuinness was speaking after meeting IFA President Francis Gorman and Waterford IFA representatives this week to discuss the proposed EU budget and its implications for farmers, primary producers and rural communities.

He said the Irish Government’s proposal lacks ambition, accepts real-terms cuts to vital funding and bends to an increasingly militarised EU agenda at the expense of agriculture, regional development and social investment.

Deputy McGuinness said:

“The Government should be fighting for Irish farmers and rural communities, not accepting cuts before negotiations have even begun.

“Waterford stands to lose at least €60 million in CAP payments over the seven-year budget period if this proposal goes ahead. That is a huge amount of money to lose from our farming sector and rural economy, and the final figure could be even worse.

“Primary producers are already facing enormous pressures. Farmers need certainty, investment and a properly funded Common Agricultural Policy. Rural communities need continued investment in infrastructure, services and regional development.

“Instead, the Government is backing a budget that asks people to do more with less, while prioritising huge increases in defence spending.

“I met with IFA President Francis Gorman and Waterford IFA representatives this week to discuss these concerns. The implications of this budget are serious for Irish agriculture and for the future of rural communities across Waterford.

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael need to step up, rethink their approach and join Sinn Féin in arguing for a budget that stands up for Ireland’s interests.

“The European Parliament has pushed back against the Irish Presidency’s proposed negotiating framework. The Government must use its position to argue for a more ambitious budget that protects farmers, supports primary producers and delivers for rural Ireland.

“We should not be surrendering these priorities before negotiations have even properly begun.”