Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the agri-climate rural environment scheme, ACRES, the so called agri-environmental scheme that farmers have long suspected was designed by civil servants for the benefit of civil servants, not farmers or the environment. The new inspection teams are being rolled out and in east Clare at least they are in big new 2.3 l long wheelbase diesel vehicles. These are the kind of vehicles you would expect to see at a Make America Great Again, MAGA, rally in Texas and they are paid for by taxpayers money with ACRES logos on them, which were also paid for with taxpayers money. I am glad the Taoiseach finds it amusing because farmers who live in designated areas and who farm designated areas are having their funding reduced. They are being paid less than they were being paid before, notwithstanding being in designated areas. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine talks the talk when it comes to the environment but when it comes to walking the walk he withdrew funding for innovative environmental schemes. Does the Taoiseach understand why farmers are sceptical of the nature restoration law and about not being compensated?

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