Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
EU Affairs
Period
1 Jan, 2024 to 30 Apr, 2024
Specific Details
EU Trade Policy
Intended results
To highlight that the EU has undermined the income of EU farmers by continuing to pursue trade deals that facilitate access to the EU market of product that is not produced at the standards of environmental, animal welfare, animal health, traceability and substance that all EU farmers are compelled to adhere to. Trade deals such as Mercosur, Australia and New Zealand must not provide additional access to the EU market for beef and sheep.
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, the implementation must be monitored, and the sustainability work done recognised to ensure reciprocity in farm production standards and a level playing field to ensure fair trade.
To highlight that EU welfare standards are among the highest standards globally. The unique primarily grass based production systems and temperate climate combined with the extensive nature of most farms in Ireland must be recognised and reflected in Animal Welfare regulations.
To emphasise that the EU must do more in financially supporting member states and farmers implementing disease control and eradication measures. The EU Veterinary Fund must be increased and support all diseases that have trade access implication for member states at rates appropriate to the costs associated with implementing the required controls/measures to maintain trade access and reduce/eradicate disease in the member state or region.
To propose that the standards and production systems dominant in Ireland must be better recognised in EU Animal Welfare legislation. Irish farmers continue to be frustrated by the one size fits all simplistic approach that prevails at EU level when developing policy in this area which has been framed with indoor or very intensive production systems in mind. Our MEPs must have a louder voice in ensuring our farmers and our world class systems are not negatively impacted on.
That all animal welfare legislation must be based on the most up to date scientific advice and findings specific to the actual production systems that prevail in each member state.
To propose that Disease Eradication/control programmes minimise the impact on trade between member states and facilitate and recognise eradication/control programme strategies that are implemented reflecting the challenges and production systems of individual member states.
That the EU should ensure farmers and member states are fairly and reasonably recompensed for costs incurred for programmes that are required to maintain access to the single market.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Francie Gorman IFA President, Damian McDonald IFA Director General, Tadhg Buckley IFA Director of Policy and Chief Economist, Elaine Farrell IFA Director of Governance & Oireachtas Engagement
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
Submission All Senators
Letter All Senators
Submission All TDs
Letter All TDs
Submission All MEPs
Letter All MEPs
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Informal communication (6-10)
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.
Darragh O'Brien
Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)
James Browne
Minister of State (Department of Justice)
Joe O'Brien
Minister of State (Department of Social Protection)
Michael McGrath
Minister (Department of Finance)
Micheál Martin
Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)
Roderic O'Gorman
Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)
Malcolm Noonan
Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)