Members of Fianna Fáil met earlier today in Co Tipperary to officially kick-off party conference season. According to Cavan-Monaghan TD, Deputy Niamh Smyth, matters such as the budget and cost-of-living crisis loomed large over the meeting as TDs and Senators regrouped after the summer break.
Speaking to Northern Sound in relation to Fianna Fáil's think-in event, Deputy Smyth said that difficulties to the start of the academic year in terms of school bus routes and places were discussed at length.
According to the local representative, climate and concerns shared by various farming organisations were also brought to the fore.
She added that days like today provide an "opportunity" for politicians to discuss everyday issues and more importantly how to improve on them.
"We know that the derogation does provide a big concern for the farming community, we met with the IFA this morning, they've been here very vocal meeting with Minister McConalogue and the Tánaiste to discuss the issues and concerns that they have with the derogation and where that stands for farming in the future."
