Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Justice and Equality
Period
1 Jan, 2017 to 30 Apr, 2017
Specific Details
Towards a new Women's Strategy 2017-2020
Intended results
That the Strategy would take on board IFA's call for a study to investigate the current situation of women farmers, by gathering more statistical data, which could be used to gain an overall picture of the situation so that suitable policies and supports are introduced
That the Government would develop an educational and awareness programme of positive stories to change parental attitudes on succession to daughters.
That the would remove disincentives in the taxation system to joint ownership of farms, this would be a positive step towards greater participation by women farmers. To encourage the transfer of a family farm into joint ownership at the time of inter-generational transfer, IFA believes that 90% Agricultural Relief should apply where the farm is transferred into joint names, and where the 80% asset test and the active farming requirement is satisfied by either of the spouses.
That in Budget 2018, an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit to €1,650 would be given. In addition, to removing the discrimination between employees and the self-employed in the income tax system, it would create a positive incentive towards greater female participation and decision making on the farm enterprise, through the joint assessment of the family farm income.
Support for a targeted campaign to promote agricultural science and agricultural career options for young women at secondary and third level to increase participation of women in the agricultural sector. To cultivate the next generation of farmers we must invest in the young women of today.
To give additional support for women who seek to develop and grow their businesses, including helping them strengthen their networks, acquire management skills, learn to manage risk, identify researchers with innovative ideas and grow into international markets. Continue to offer support for female-run start-ups in rural areas given the success of the ACORNS program.
That Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland should encourage and financially support the extension of female business networks at county, regional and national level. These grant funds for female entrepreneurs must include child care incentive element in overall financial support packages.
That support should be provided through the taxation system at the start-up point in farming, through tax relief for the employment of farm labour. This would encourage more women to actively take over the running of the farm enterprise.
The introduction of low cost child care programmes for women entrepreneurs, including through the use of tax incentives, to support greater participation of rural women in society.
The early introduction of total contribution system for the purposes of calculating State Pension (Contributory). This is more equitable than the current average system, which puts your total contributions over the number of years you have been in the workforce, and disadvantages anyone who has stepped in and out of the system over their working life.
The need to establish a new statutory homecare scheme that will support and enable older people to stay within their homes and communities for as long as possible.
That the gap between the Home Care Support and the PAYE tax credit is reduced.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Joe Healy IFA President and Maura Canning IFA Farm Family Chairman
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.
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.
Frances Fitzgerald
Minister (Department of Justice and Equality)
David Stanton
Minister of State (Department of Justice and Equality)
Carol Baxter
Assistant Secretary (Department of Justice and Equality)