James Lawless

Awareness of and support for Dochas' priorities for Ireland's EU Presidency policy programme

To understand how business, government and education can cooperate to maximise the benefits of Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union

For the Minister to deliver the opening remarks at the event.

To reiterate that the EU Commission's proposals of July 2025 on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), despite subsequent proposed amends (November 2025 and January 2026), remain hugely concerning for Irish farmers.::To highlight that the decimated direct CAP budget (cut…

To seek support from Irish Ministers, TDs and MEPs to ensure that the EU Commission urgently remove the beef and poultry import concessions planned under the EU–Mercosur agreement in.::To highlight that a delegation travelled across key beef-producing regions in Brazil, visiting…

Advocate for an Irish Presidency that ensures that social policies provide EU added value without imposing excessive regulatory burden, addresses the pervasive skills and labour shortages in Europe, strives to maximise the impact of innovation throughout the entire investment…

Gather information on Department position on proposed restructuring of Erasmus+::Provide information on NYCI concerns with proposal on Erasmus+ restructuring, seeking meetings to discuss

To raise awareness of the key priorities of businesses for 2025-2030 among new Ministers.

To propose that the Government must act on the eight key strategic actions set out in the National Horticulture Strategy supporting the expansion of the Irish Horticulture sector and commit the extra resources required for research and development and advisory services.::That a…

That any boost in political / societal expectations of farmers must be matched with increased agricultural budgets, with inflation and new EU accession countries also accounted for.::That the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and its mechanisms, must put active farmers and food…

To increase the ceiling of aid in the agricultural sector per single undertaking to €50,000 over the course of three years to better account for inflation; the increased operational risks endured by farmers, and likely requirement for increased nationally financed interventions…

That a full impact assessment (financial, trade etc) of the fitness of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the broader EU Single Market must be undertaken in advance of future EU accession, with innovative solutions regarding EU budgets and policies implemented in advance,…

To propose that grant aid should increase to 60% for Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme (PPIS) for all farmers::To propose the inclusion of Grant Aid Funding for slurry processing equipment under the Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme (PPIS) at 60%.::To propose the inclusion of…

To propose that The EU must not agree any trade deal which::- Further compromises the viability of EU agriculture sectors::- Sets a double standard in the market and undermines the quality and standards of EU food::- Trade agreements must include a sustainability requirement,…

CAP funding must remain a stand-alone allocation within the EU budget. It needs to be substantially increased and used to support farmers, food production and food security. The global demand for grain, meat and dairy is rising. If these products are not produced in Ireland,…