Intent: To ensure a competitive environment in which companies can operate.
Details: Update on Aon’s presence in Ireland, the evolving global environment for businesses and the importance of enhancing Ireland’s overall competitiveness amid the implementation of OECD Pillar Two arrangements.
Intent: To highlight that the proposed EU-US trade agreement will present further challenges to Irish farm families. Yesterday, a trade agreement between the EU and US was announced which will see a 15% import duty imposed on the majority of EU exports into the US.::That, while the proposed tariff rate of 15% is lower than the threatened 30% rate, it still represents a significant challenge for the Irish agri sector on a number of fronts. We are still awaiting the finer details of the agreement, but given Ireland's reliance on the US market, both in agriculture and beyond, its impact will be significant on Irish farm families, both directly and indirectly.::To highlight that, prior to the introduction of tariffs by the Trump administration in April, Irish butter was subject to a tariff rate of about 16%. Initial reports indicate that the proposed new 15% tariff rate will be a replacement for existing tariffs and will not be ‘stacked' on existing tariffs. Should this be the case, it would reduc
Details: EU-US Trade Agreement
Intent: That farmers must not be unduly disadvantaged, penalised or prone to increased on-farm inspections following direct/ indirect advances in available technologies, data collection or monitoring mechanisms, with the privacy and data protection rights of the farmer secure and protected at all times. The sharing or transfer of data from one data source to another, even within individual entities, is not permitted without the prior consent of the farmer::That the level of ongoing monitoring of on-farm activities must be proportionate and similar to that afforded to other employment cohorts.::That inspections should follow the Farmers Charter of Rights protocol, with all farmers, irrespective of whether inspected or not, provided with a detailed list of annual requirements for scheme participation.::That there must be a degree of flexibility concerning on-farm inspections. Farmers must be allowed to reschedule or refuse an inspection (e.g. where serious illness, mental health, bereavement, et
Details: IFA Key Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 Principles - Inspections/Penalties
Intent: That the Government and MEPs must honour their commitments to stand up for farmers and defend their interests by opposing the current Mercosur trade deal.::To discuss farmers' concerns with the Minister for Foreign Affairs::To reiterate strong opposition to the Mercosur agreement in its current form. The beef industry in Ireland supports 90,000 farmers and around 25,000 jobs and is critical to the rural economy. There are very strong concerns about the impact the EU-Mercosur trade agreement would have on the viability of some 90,000 families.::That, while it is often argued that an additional 99,000t of beef from the Mercosur block countries would represent only 1-2% of the EU beef market, this statistic is in fact very misleading. The high value EU steak market (fillet, striploin, and cube) will be targeted by Mercosur beef exporters and will impact EU producers' ability to achieve a positive return on the carcass. 30% of the value of the carcass is contained within the yield of high
Details: Mercosur Trade Deal
Intent: To accept an invitation from the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to attend the next Brexit Stakeholder Forum.::To engage on developments relating to UK / ROI trade
Details: Brexit Stakeholder Forum
Intent: Highlight the impact of US tariffs and trade uncertainty on the export focussed Irish drinks manufacturing sector and for Government action on supports for the sector
Details: Policy priorities for the Irish drinks sector
Intent: To set out ICMSA key farm policy priorities to Tanaiste Harris.
Details: Meeting with Tanaiste Harris on current farm policy issues.
Intent: 1) Provided an update on improvements in HSI horse passporting and registration since 2024. ::2) Highlighted Prof Wall report, horse welfare issues and need for action. ::3) Outlined success of National Breeding Services. ::4) Highlighted high performance programme - successes and gaps. ::5) Explained challenges for the sport horse sector - US tariffs, succession planning, employment permits, skills gaps etc. ::6) Provided breakdown of HSI structure and funding. ::7) Highlighted challenges facing riding centres around the costs of commercial rates and insurance.
Details: Issues and challenges facing sport horse sector
Intent: Securing a long-term lease to for a club of 1,600 members, which I chair, which has no current grounds of its own.
Details: Ranelagh Gaels' GAA Club use GAA pitch at Cathal Brugha Barracks
Intent: 1) Highlighting the importance of the sport horse sector and trade with the US. ::2) Requesting that sport horses be included in any EU exemption, as proposed for the thoroughbred sector.
Details: US tarriffs impact of sport horse sector.
