Michael Fitzmaurice

ICSA sought to influence the development of the next CAP to protect farm incomes, support generational continuity, and maintain dedicated funding for environmental actions. It warned that erosion of CAP supports threatens drystock and tillage viability, stressed the need for…

To ensure that any policy or legislative developments relating to GM grain fully consider farmer interests, market implications, and Ireland’s strategic positioning as a GM-free producer.

Advocate for robust protections for Irish and EU farmers against undercutting by Mercosur imports. Call for proper parliamentary scrutiny, transparency, and accountability in EU trade negotiations, and for the government to take decisive action to prevent negative impacts on…

Advocate for policies and funding that strengthen the role of women in agriculture, including recognition in farm succession, access to leadership programs, advisory services, and targeted supports to ensure gender equality and opportunities for women in all sectors of Irish…

Promote the ICSA Life Focus initiative, which provides peer to peer support and discussion on farmer mental health, rural isolation, family and farm succession issues, and related life challenges, calling for greater policy focus on wellbeing supports in agriculture.

To brief the minister on the IrBEA small biogas demonstration EIP project outcomes including policy, practical and technical learnings from the project and to lobby the Minister for the introduction of a minimum 50% capital grant from the Government for the development of this…

To urge the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine to address farmer concerns and move quickly to clarify the scope of GAEC-2 appeals.::That details of the GAEC-2 appeals process seem to infer that appeals are restricted to those who plan new drainage works in 2025,…

1) Provided an update on improvements in HSI horse passporting and registration since 2024. ::2) Highlighted Prof Wall report, horse welfare issues and need for action. ::3) Outlined success of National Breeding Services. ::4) Highlighted high performance programme - successes…

Importance of Horse Racing to the Irish economy & local communities

INHFA outlined the need for better dog control in Ireland and highlighted the rising number of dog attacks.

Protection of farming livelihoods: ICSA aims to safeguard farmers from policies that could restrict their land use and threaten their income. Ensuring fair compensation: The association seeks proper compensation for farmers affected by rewetting measures and land restrictions.…

Enhance Policy Inclusivity: Ensure that agricultural policies reflect the needs and contributions of women in the sector. Increase Female Participation: Encourage more women to take active roles in agricultural organisations and decision-making bodies. Promote Gender Equality:…

Advocate for government policies and resources supporting farmers’ mental health, raise awareness of rural challenges, influence legislation and funding on succession, isolation, and financial stress, and promote long-term, accessible mental health services and community support…

To inform the Committee of the challenges faced by cattle and sheep farmers due to dog attacks, advocate for improved dog control measures, and encourage legislative or regulatory changes to enhance protection for livestock and farm families.

To set out ICMSA's position in relation dog worrying and the need for more enforcement.