MEP Hits Out Over Red Tape
NORTHERN IRELAND - The intention of former European Commissioner Franz Fischler to remove bureaucratic form filling and tedious, lengthy form filling has been clearly defeated by DARD, UUP MEP Jim Nicholson has claimed.Speaking from Brussels Mr Nicholson said that the succession of glossary documents to farmers from DARD was a typical example.
"These documents attempt to explain that further form filling and collation of information will be required more than ever before. This is not in the spirit of the Mid-Term Review. In fact it runs contrary to every promise made at that time.
The question must now be asked: Is this being demanded by Brussels or is this DARD gold plating legislation at the request of their DEFRA masters in Whitehall.
The farmers greatest wish is to get on with the job of producing good wholesome food for the consumer but they cannot hope to do this with both hands tied behind their backs.
Northern Ireland's farmers have one further problem - They must compete with a neighbour across the border where their counterparts in the Republic have a more positive, active response from their government.
Source: FarmingLife
1 June 2005
1 minute read
