Fine Gael

European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen was in Dublin today for an event with Irish farmers on issues such as generational renewal and mental health.

Martin Heydon has been confirmed as the new Minister of Agriculture, succeeding Charlie McConalogue.

In the Programme for Government, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independent representatives stated they will “do everything within [their] power to make the case at EU level” to retain the derogation.

A farmer all his life, a TD since 2011, and a Minister of State in Agriculture House for the last five years, it's been a lifelong apprenticeship for biggest job in Irish farming for Martin Heydon.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have maintained the policy commitments they made during the general election campaign, but the funding pledges to back them up have disappeared.

The Regional Independent Group has gained key concessions for farmers in the programme for government.

The Programme for Government is long on priorities, but contains no costings, as Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Regional Independents and the Healy Rae brothers strike their deal

The group said that it fully understands that this stability is crucial to effectively address the significant challenges facing the Irish people and the economy.

Michael Healy-Rae and Noel Grealish will take up Minister of State positions at the Department of Agriculture, while a number of farming issues are in the programme for government.