THE Civil and Public Services Union is to meet the Department of Agriculture today after a direct appeal by the Minister to ease the hardship caused to farmers.
Mr Yates outlined the difficulties caused by the union's work do rule because of the public service embargo. He said the dispute would bring the work of the Department to a halt within weeks.
He predicted that if the strike continued
130,000 farmers would not receive cheques for £760 million payable to them this year.
. 90,000 applicants would not receive area aid payments or set aside payments.
. No ewe payments would be made.
. Pedigree cattle sales could not go ahead.
. Bovine TB reactors would be left in the herd and spread disease.
. Leaving animals with brucellosis in the herd would spread the disease to other animals, thus endangering Ireland's health status and the food industry.
Mr Yates said the CPSU interpretation of new duties meant essentially that 400 of its members in district veterinary offices were not working.
He said that, while drug tests were being done for brucellosis, results were not being issued by the offices.
This was creating not only a severe animal health problem but a welfare problem as well.
Mr Yates said there would be a crisis for his Department if the strike extended into this month.
There could be a more realistic interpretation which would allow clerical staff to undertake the aspects of the new disease eradication scheme which applied prior to April 1st, said Mr Yates.
The general secretary of the CPSU, Mr O'Dowd, confirmed last night he would meet Department officials today.