Advertisement

Coveney says Pat Smith's IFA pension package is "extraordinary"

The Agriculture Minister says the pension package of outgoing IFA General Secretary Pat Smith is ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

17.22 27 Nov 2015


Share this article


Coveney says Pat Smith&#39...

Coveney says Pat Smith's IFA pension package is "extraordinary"

Newstalk
Newstalk

17.22 27 Nov 2015


Share this article


The Agriculture Minister says the pension package of outgoing IFA General Secretary Pat Smith is extraordinary.

The Irish Farmers Association plans to challenge the legality of the deal - worth €2m.

Pat Smith, who believes the package is fair, has asked for his €1m lump sum - to be donated to charity.

Advertisement

Minister Simon Coveney says the IFA has a lot of work to do to rebuild trust with its members.

“ I just couldn’t believe it when I heard that. It seems like an extraordinary amount of money and it’s made farmers very angry.

"That’s part of the mix now that the IFA needs to deal with to actually rebuild trust with their members.”

Sean Brosnan, chair of Kerry IFA, told Newstalk Breakfast the move looks like a cynical PR stunt by Smith:

"This is going to go to a legal team, more than likely. There is employment law out there, so I expect that Pat Smith will be entitled to some money so we can't do anything with that money until after that."

In a statement, the IFA said Mr Smith demanded the money and is trying to cover it up with this latest move.

The IFA has clarified that Smith did not stand down last week and was in effect, fired, amid controversy over his pay.

IFA President Eddie Downey also resigned over the issue.

The IFA's statement of last night said: "The unapproved package included: a €2m severance, broken down into €1m now and €1m over 10 years paid through IFA."

"This is a total spin. Pat Smith demanded €2m. He is trying to cover it up."


Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular