The fallout continues from Tuesday's announcement that the BISS and CRISS payments will be delayed by up to 11 days as a result of a public service work stoppage taking place on Wednesday 14 October.
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has released a statement questioning how a one-day work stoppage could result in an 11-day delay in issuing farm payments.
IFA president Francie Gorman described the news that about €600m in farm payments, due this coming Friday, will now not be paid until 27 October as a bombshell for farm families.
Bombshell
“This news is a complete bombshell. It is beyond belief and totally unacceptable,” Gorman stated.
“The implications of this announcement, if it comes to pass, would have huge ramifications for farm families across Ireland.
"Farm families have budgeted and planned around receiving these payments for bank repayments and other bills.
"It defies logic that a one-day work to rule and strike action could result in an 11-day delay in payments.
"Given the spotlight that has been on the work to rule and strike action in recent weeks, surely the Department should have had some foresight of potential delays.
"At the latest Farmers Charter meeting, there was no mention of the potential impact that could happen or discussion around how to avoid delays.
“I have spoken to the Minister for Agriculture this evening and I stressed to him that this cannot be the end of this matter. It must be revisited by the Government immediately. No other sector of society would be expected to accept this,” he said.
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