Emer Higgins

Pension Contributions::To propose that credited social insurance contributions for Farm Assist recipients are provided, as is done for Jobseeker's Allowance/Benefit.::Backdating Credits Pre-2007::To propose extending PRSI credit entitlements to farmers who were ineligible before…

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.

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 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…

That a wide selection of on-farm actions should be provided for participants to select the most suited for their individual operation. The Riparian Buffer Zone & Grass Margin measure should be included as an option for ACRES CoOperation as it is currently for ACRES General…

The Minister thanked the delegation for its input and asked for continued engagement with them on the removal of barriers to the delivery of the State’s housing and infrastructure requirements.

Technology Ireland meeting with Minister Emer Higgins to discuss Technology Ireland submission to National Public Procurement Strategy and Cloud Computing Advice Note/Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) Guidance