Some inspectors are acquiring a reputation for being “draconian in their interpretation of the rules” and being “unreasonable”, the IFA has claimed.
Speaking after a delegation from North Tipperary IFA today addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture about the inspection regime in North Tipperary, the IFA President Joe Healy said that the issues highlighted by North Tipperary were shared by farmers in other parts of the country.
The allegations were raised by an IFA delegation from North Tipperary who addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture on Tuesday about the inspection regime in north Tipperary.
In a statement, president Joe Healy echoed their sentiment, claiming the stakes are far too great for farmers.
“While the overall inspection and penalty rate in Ireland is relatively low, the implications for the farmers involved can be very significant. There is a very genuine fear factor for farmers.”
“Most of those carrying out inspections understand the practicalities of farming. However, there are a relatively small number of inspectors who have gained a reputation for being draconian in their interpretation of the rules and unreasonable,” he said.
Healy, who also praised county chair for Tipperary North Tim Cullinan for his efforts in highlighting the issue, also accepted that standards were required but inspections protocols must be addressed.
