Politician · Senator · 27th Seanad
Returns filed on the Register of Lobbying, newest first, with the policy area and intended results as the lobbyist published them.
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…
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…
Penalties applied to non-compliance must be proportionate and fair. A complete disregard of positive environmental action undertaken and the application of a full 100% penalty on total yearly payments is excessive (plus potentially complete removal of individual actions for…
To propose that funding must be provided to farmers for costs incurred in implementing biosecurity advice to reduce the interaction of wildlife with cattle.
To highlight that in 2019, €33.5m was allocated for a 10-year programme to enhance the Regional Veterinary Laboratory Network and associated services to farmers. It has been six years since the commitment was made, and no infrastructural development or enhancement of services to…
To propose that the VAT rate on vaccines and other critical on-farm medicines, where VAT is currently charged, must be reduced to the 0% rate. The current VAT rate is 23%; farmers spend over €40 million on vaccines annually. Reducing the rate to 0% would result in over €10…