Politician · TD · 34th Dáil
Returns filed on the Register of Lobbying, newest first, with the policy area and intended results as the lobbyist published them.
Fair Deal Reform::To propose reducing the 5-year land/business transfer clause to 3 years to allow more farmers to benefit from the Fair Deal Scheme.::To propose that land leased under Fair Deal should be classed as “actively farmed” to meet succession criteria.::To propose…
To propose that the current rate of Class S is retained, and resist any increases until short-term benefits (illness, disability) are included in the scheme.
PRSI Inclusion for All Farmers and Spouses::To propose that all farmers and spouses/partners working on the farm, are to be included in the PRSI system to ensure entitlement to the contributory old age pension and reduce the risk of poverty in old age.::Dual Pension Calculation…
To propose that, as the Teagasc Green Cert Course is a crucial qualification for young farmers in Ireland. Approving these courses for SUSI Grants would encourage more students to pursue agricultural education.::To propose that, as per the Programme for Government, there must be…
General Employment Permits::To propose no further increases in GEP annual salary.::To propose the need for a full roll-out of a Seasonal work permit Scheme for all horticulture sectors based on the national minimum wage.::To propose that there are supports for rising employment…
To propose the introduction of an agricultural Rainy-Day Fund, which allows farmers from all sectors to put aside a small percentage of their gross receipts, whether in their co-op, specially assigned bank account or State Farm Volatility Fund.::To propose that the deferred…
To propose the introduction of a min 50% capital grant for development of farmer owned farm scale biogas plants – financed through Infrastructure and Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF) and or/feed in tariff.::To propose the immediate introduction of Renewable Heat Obligation…
To propose substantial investment into the national electricity network to ensure the national grid is fit for purpose. With the added complexity of two-way energy travel at more grid connection points in recent and future years, along with increasing demand from Ireland's…
To propose the introduction of a minimum 50% capital grant for the development of farmer owned and operated farm scale biogas plants with finance to be provided through the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF)
To propose that a dedicated farmer category is established within SRESS to reflect the distinct constraints faced by the agricultural sector and increase the level of feed-in tariffs to make farm-based projects financially viable and attractive.::To propose an increase in SRESS…
To propose that the current cap on grant aid based on on-farm energy usage should be removed. Many farms with low electricity consumption have large shed space ideal for solar installations. Allowing these farmers to install systems beyond their own usage and export surplus…
To propose that the budget for this programme is maintained and enhanced over the next few years.::To propose that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) better promotes the scheme to increase the uptake of the SSRH in the agriculture sector.::To propose that the…
To propose::• Much improved lines of communications & engagement between key stakeholders (e.g. DAFM, ACRES CP Teams, planners) & farmers is required. There is too much ambiguity and responsibility deflection ongoing currently, with farmers left frustrated, uncertain where they…
To propose::• Adequate resources should be deployed to DAFM staffing; I.T infrastructure etc to ensure the swift delivery of payments per the Farmers Charter of Rights. Individual cases (incl. partnerships), which require additional processing, should not be continually pushed…
To propose::A review of the scoring / payment system should apply. The DAFM need to acknowledge that past agri-environmental scheme criteria may have impacted current scoring (e.g. minimum stocking rates), and whether relating to late scoring submissions; minimal invasive…