merrion street

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney strongly condemned the aggressive nature of the IFA protest when his Department offices in Johnstown Castle were occupied. While acknowledging the right to protest the Minister said that the actions today went beyond the bounds of acceptable behaviour. He pointed out once again that the delivery of direct payments of €1.5 billion will be paid again this year even quicker than last year, and that substantial payments under AEOS and REPS will be made by the end of the year. He regretted that the IFA action led to the injury of a member of his Departments staff and conveyed his good wishes for his recovery.