The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

Lobbying Organisation The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

Date published 18 May, 2022

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Agriculture

Period 1 Jan, 2022 to 30 Apr, 2022

Specific Details Peat Action Plan

Intended results To highlight that The Action Plan from the Peat Working Group announced by Minister of State Malcolm Noonan does not stress the urgency of the situation and it's not workable. From an initial review, it appears that the recommendations set out in the final report are contrary to the Action Plan points. To highlight that the Plan will do nothing other than lead to the demise of the sector. It doesn't indicate how the current producers of the key raw material can become fully compliant and continue to service the industry needs. That the plan is scrapped and re-evaluated immediately. To highlight that the Action Plan details that a stockpile of 2,000 tonnes of peat from Bord na Móna may be available to alleviate the short-term problem. It must be noted that the quality of this peat is unknown. Growers require specific blends based on their operation and there is no certainty that peat from Bord na Móna will be suitable. To highlight that this peat will not service the mushroom industry as fresh excavate is required. This amount of peat would also only be sufficient for approximately two months in the peak season. To highlight that the Action Plan outlined by Government will mean that Irish growers will become dependent on imported peat, which will be catastrophic for the green credentials of the industry. It's completely unfit for purpose. If anything, it will exacerbate the problems facing Irish growers, instead of addressing them.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Paul Brophy outgoing IFA Horticulture Chair

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

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (1)

Social Media (1)

Meeting (1)

Informal communication (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.

Martin Browne TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Jackie Cahill TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Matt Carthy TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Collins TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Fitzmaurice TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Joe Flaherty TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Paul Kehoe TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Brian Leddin TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Ring TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Victor Boyhan Senator (Seanad)

Lynn Boylan Senator (Seanad)

Paul Daly Senator (Seanad)

Tim Lombard Senator (Seanad)

Denis O'Donovan Senator (Seanad)

Barry Andrews MEP (European Parliament)

Billy Kelleher MEP (European Parliament)

Chris MacManus MEP (European Parliament)

Ciarán Cuffe MEP (European Parliament)

Clare Daly MEP (European Parliament)

Colm Markey MEP (European Parliament)

Deirdre Clune MEP (European Parliament)

Frances Fitzgerald MEP (European Parliament)

Grace O'Sullivan MEP (European Parliament)

Luke Ming Flanagan MEP (European Parliament)

Maria Walsh MEP (European Parliament)

Mick Wallace MEP (European Parliament)

Seán Kelly MEP (European Parliament)

Malcolm Noonan Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

Jack O'Donnell Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)