ICSA sit-in at Dept of Agriculture ends

The Irish Cattle Trader and Stockowners’ Association (ICSA) sit-in protest in the Department of Agriculture over the issue of cattle prices ended this morning after eight days.

A spokesman at the department said : "The meeting that was offered and declined last week was finally taken up today and the building was vacated at that stage."

According to a statement issued by the ICSA, "A marathon meeting was held with the Minister of Agriculture [Joe Walsh TD] and his officials."

ICSA President Charlie Reilly said that he believed the issue of those who sold cattle in the November/December period was back on the agenda. He also said that Minister Walsh gave him assurances that he would actively pursue the issue of help for November/December sellers.

"I am happy that the meeting was constructive and that the Minister has made a genuine effort to engage with us on the issues that we highlighted."

"I am particularly happy that he will go to the next Farm Council meeting in Brussels at the end of January firmly focussed on the Nov/Dec sellers. Furthermore he has indicated that following his meeting with Franz Fischler, the possibility of a lift in export refunds is within grasp if the meat industry can demonstrate its ability to reopen third country markets," he said.