The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

Lobbying Organisation The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

Date published 15 Sep, 2025

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Finance

Period 1 May, 2025 to 31 Aug, 2025

Specific Details Pigs - Measures to Support Farm Enterprises

Intended results Knowledge Transfer (KT) To propose adequate funding for the inclusion of pig and poultry sectors in the KT Programme. While the programme has delivered clear benefits across other farming sectors through peer learning, expert guidance, and structured farm planning, pig and poultry farmers have been excluded in the most recent KT programme. This exclusion overlooks the unique challenges and opportunities within these sectors. Pig & Poultry Investment Scheme To propose the increase of the PPIS (Pig & Poultry Investment Scheme) investment ceiling to reflect rising construction costs and improve scheme viability. The cost of constructing or refurbishing pig and poultry housing has risen sharply, and this should be reflected in the level of funding available. Renewable Energy To seek the introduction of an exemption from planning objections for solar installations on pig and poultry units that comply with local development plans and provide TAMS support for their installation. Carbon Credit Scheme To propose the exploration of the potential for the development of a carbon credit scheme for pig and poultry farmers. This should reward farmers for delivering reductions in emissions. This would encourage pig and poultry farmers to increase their already significant efforts in meeting climate targets and provide them with incentives for their commitment. Carbon Tax Exemption To propose an exemption from carbon tax for poultry farmers, given the limited fuel alternatives and tight margins in the poultry sector. This issue is particularly pressing for poultry farms reliant on gas to heat their poultry houses. Taxation Measures for Volatility Management To propose a full write-down (ACA) in year one for three-phase electricity infrastructure upgrades (to allow the entire cost of the upgrade to be deducted from taxable income in the same year the expense is incurred. Education To propose additional funding for farm-specific modules in various areas of pig and poultry production, which will encourage the upskilling of farmers and farm staff, including the development of online learning modules To propose a full review and adjustment of the Farm Apprenticeship Bursary (currently €2,000), especially in light of employer wage costs during the 40-day college attendance period. Notably, craft apprentices have their college-period wages paid by the state—this disparity should be addressed.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Francie Gorman IFA President, Michael Caffrey IFA Pig Chair, Sarah Hanley IFA Policy Executive

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Mass communications

Letter All TDs

Submission All TDs

Letter All Senators

Submission All Senators

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (11-20)

Meeting (2-5)

Social Media (2-5)

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Brian Brennan TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Brian Purcell Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture and the Marine)

Christopher O'Sullivan Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

Emer Higgins Minister of State (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform)

Helen McEntee Minister (Department of Education)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill Minister (Department of Health)

Malcolm Byrne TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Martin Heydon Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)

Michael Healy-Rae Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)

Michael Moynihan Minister of State (Department of Education)

Noel Grealish Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)

Paschal Donohoe Minister (Department of Finance)

Peter Burke Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)

Sean Canney Minister of State (Department of Transport)

James Browne Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)