Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
EU Affairs
Period
1 Jan, 2024 to 30 Apr, 2024
Specific Details
IFA Manifesto for European Parliament Elections 2024 - Nature Restoration Law
Intended results
To highlight that the proposed Nature Restoration Law, which seeks to restore ecosystems, habitats and species across the EU's land and sea areas, aims to fulfil this commitment but it has been hugely controversial since first proposed by the European Commission in June 2022.
To challenge the reintroduction of Article 9 relating to agricultural ecosystems following trilogue negotiations which does not support the original mandate of the Parliament to remove it.
To emphasise that the establishment of Nature Restoration Plans which will be ratified by the Commission should be conducted with the highest level of farmer consultation with measures of a pragmatic nature that align with current agricultural activity. The measures should have no impact on Ireland's food production autonomy and the economic role it has in supporting rural areas.
To propose that, similar to the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive, the Nature Restoration Law should be suspended pending full ‘bottom-up' review and re-engagement with key stakeholders; the completion of a full impact assessment by Member States; and sourcing of sufficient long-term funding model (independent of CAP), including therein the establishment of a carbon trading mechanism.
To propose that maximum flexibility must apply at Member State level, with no further restrictions applied to Natura 2000 sites, and any restoration measure implemented only where voluntary in nature and following commercial assessment on the part of the farmer.
To emphasise that it is imperative that ongoing maintenance activities (e.g. existing drainage networks; active pumping etc), including the installation of replacement and additional drains where relevant, are permitted to preserve current land use and drainage systems, and that any introduced measure does not economically disadvantage the farm operation.
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)