Concern for safety of isolated farm families!
24 October 2006
Jim Allister MEP has attacked the announcement of the publication of individual agricultural subsidy information by DARD. Mr Allister has been in correspondence with DARD on the issue and has expressed disappointment that DARD has published this information prior to answering detailed queries which he has raised with the Minister. Jim Allister is also concerned that the publication of the information, under every individual farmer's name, could place isolated farm families in danger of unwanted attention from criminal gangs.
Jim Allister commented, “I am very disappointed that DARD has decided to release this information into the public domain prior to answering my concerns on the matter. I wrote to DARD on this issue on the 8 September and I still am waiting a satisfactory response from the Department on the concerns raised, including why they did not take legal advice on an issue beset with human rights, breach of confidence and data protection implications.
“Whilst I accept that there is some need for transparency on the issue of public monies I do not believe that there was a need to publish this information in a manner identifying every farmer by name. Individuals can by clearly identified from this list and thus the Department may have increased the risk of isolated farm families being attacked by criminal gangs. There are many other instances within Northern Ireland where businesses receive public money; can we expect this information to be made public? Why is the Minister singling out farmers for scrutiny?
“I am also disappointed that the Minister has failed to point out that many farm families are not meeting the National Minimum wage within Northern Ireland. I see very little action of DARD trying to address the problems in rural areas. Instead of the Minister putting out confidential information I would have preferred to see him work to get an extension of the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme or cutting out some of the red tape which is facing the industry.
“Whilst the Minister claims that the European Commission is looking for greater transparency regarding the payments of EU funds, the method under which this information is to be made public has not yet been agreed. Indeed it is likely to be 2009 before the Commission requires a form of publication of payments made. So why is the Minister rushing ahead?”
