Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 May, 2024 to 31 Aug, 2024
Specific Details
Farmers' Charter of Rights
Intended results
To highlight that progress has been made on a number of issues over the last number of months. Farm payments will return to their traditional payment schedule for 2024, with the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme payment reverting to the third week of September. IFA had been strongly opposed to the later payment dates imposed by the Dept last year
To emphasise that the Department of Agriculture, food, and the Marine (DAFM) must assess and review the capabilities of its IT infrastructure prior to scheme roll-out, to avoid subsequent payment or processing delays. Provisions for an alternative payment are needed where deadlines are not met.
To acknowledge that there have also been improvements around inspection notifications, as well as retaining the written preliminary inspection report issued on the day of the inspection itself, rather than in the subsequent days as originally proposed by the Department.
To highlight that inspections in the main will be announced in the new Charter, with inspectors required to provide a written preliminary report before leaving the farm. These are two key components of the inspection system for farmers.
To emphasise that the Department still has work to do on a number of outstanding issues in order to ensure greater fairness and equity for farmers. There cannot be a situation where the Department of Agriculture, food, and the Marine (DAFM) revise or change the Terms and Conditions following the opening of a scheme, which leaves applicants negatively impacted by the change.
This is a basic principle that must be included in the Charter. Engagement with farm organisations prior to any amendments or revisions is the minimum commitment required in the Charter.
To highlight other areas for inclusion in the Charter include timeframes for Department responses to review and appeal requests; recognition of pregnancy status of cows at inspection; and monitoring commitments in the new Charter where issues raised will be resolved in a more timely manner
To highlight that the Charter, when finalised, must have a meaningful and positive impact for farmers across the delivery of direct payments, farm schemes and Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) services.
To point out that it is vital to secure a new Charter that is fit for purpose and serves farmers well in a practical and real way over the next number of years in their interaction with the Department of Agriculture and their participation in the schemes which are critical components of farmers' incomes.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Brendan Golden IFA Connacht Regional Chair, Declan Hanrahan IFA Livestock 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.
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.
Brendan Gleeson
Secretary General (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Charlie McConalogue
Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Martin Heydon
Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Pippa Hackett
Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Amii McKeever
Adviser to Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)