IFA: collective effort needed to deal with COVID-19 challenge, farmers entitled to illness benefit if affected

IRELAND - IFA President Tim Cullinan has said a collective effort will be needed to deal with the challenge of COVID-19.
calendar icon 16 March 2020
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"We support the measures and the agricultural community will play its part, as it always has, with others to keep the supply chain operating," Mr Cullinan said.

In line with the Government announcement, IFA will suspend all meetings at branch, county and national level until 29 March.

IFA will develop arrangements to keep its offices open while factoring in the advice given by the HSE on social distancing and the challenges posed by the closure of schools, colleges and childcare facilities.

The farmers' association will continue to be guided by the advice from the public health authorities. Details are available on www.hse.ie.

Farmers entitled to illness benefit if affected by COVID-19

IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair Caroline Farrell has welcomed changes that mean farmers and others who are self-employed - if diagnosed with COVID-19 or are suspected of having COVID-19 - will be entitled to income support.

"The enhanced Illness Benefit announced by the Government means farmer will be entitled to €305 per week for a maximum of two weeks if they are medically required to self-isolate," she said.

Mrs Farrell said if a GP diagnoses farmers with COVID-19 or are medically certified to self-isolate, they can apply for Illness Benefit. The current six-day waiting period for Illness Benefit will not apply.

She encouraged farm families to heed public health advice.

Anybody concerned that they have symptoms should phone their local GP, she said.

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