CRITICISM of the advance payment of an estimated £600,000 in overtime payments to 1,350 staff in the Department of Agriculture was rejected by the Minister, Mr Yates.
The Fianna Fail spokesman on agriculture, Mr Brian Cowen, accused the Minister of attempting to buy himself out of a mess of his own making.
Mr Yates said the reason for paying the money was to assist in the settlement of industrial action by the Civil and Public Services Union. It would ensure continuation of necessary support to farmers.