Michael Fitzmaurice

Intent: The sustainability of childminding into the future.

Details: Calling for an independent review of the working of the new childminding system.

Intent: To brief the minister on the IrBEA small biogas demonstration EIP project outcomes including policy, practical and technical learnings from the project and to lobby the Minister for the introduction of a minimum 50% capital grant from the Government for the development of this size and scale of farm-scale biogas facility on Irish farms to improve farm incomes and also to reduce farm emissions.

Details: Visit by Minister Martin Heydon T.D. and other elected representatives to view the farm-scale biogas plant, developed on an organic dairy farm at Dunmore Co. Galway. This farm-scale biogas plant was developed as a demonstration plant under the recently completed Irish Bioenergy Association, Small Sc, ... Read more

Intent: Lobbied TD's and Senators on the main items required to mobilise the biomethane sector in Ireland including: 1.A Government statement reaffirming its commitment to biomethane strategy. 2.The immediate publication of the full design of the RHO scheme.3.Government removes all eligibility in existing and new obligation schemes for fraudulent imported (Non EU produced) liquid biofuels. 4.Extends the deadline and commit to funding the 18 project under the capital grant scheme.

Details: Briefing for political representatives in Buswell's Hotel, Dublin on the biomethane sector and the policy / support requirements for the mobilisation of the sector.

Intent: To urge the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine to address farmer concerns and move quickly to clarify the scope of GAEC-2 appeals.::That details of the GAEC-2 appeals process seem to infer that appeals are restricted to those who plan new drainage works in 2025, with signed declarations and evidence of planned drainage works required to accompany applications. This is very much at odds with what was briefed to IFA at both national and stakeholder meetings on this very emotive issue, and what has also been briefed to planners recently. It will cause consternation and annoy many farmers unless quickly clarified.::It was understood that soil samples; a planner's report; and geo-tagged photos may be required, but this is a curveball altogether. All farmers must be given the opportunity to appeal the GAEC-2 status of individual parcels, irrespective of whether lands were ever drained in the past or not, or whether new drainage is planned in 2025 or not.::That since indicative G

Details: GAEC-2 Appeals

Intent: To set out ICMSA's position in relation dog worrying and the need for more enforcement.

Details: Meeting of Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food on dog worrying.

Intent: To inform the Committee of the challenges faced by cattle and sheep farmers due to dog attacks, advocate for improved dog control measures, and encourage legislative or regulatory changes to enhance protection for livestock and farm families.

Details: Dog Control

Intent: Advocate for government policies and resources supporting farmers’ mental health, raise awareness of rural challenges, influence legislation and funding on succession, isolation, and financial stress, and promote long-term, accessible mental health services and community support for farming families.

Details: Farmer well-being and mental health advocacy

Intent: Enhance Policy Inclusivity: Ensure that agricultural policies reflect the needs and contributions of women in the sector.Increase Female Participation: Encourage more women to take active roles in agricultural organisations and decision-making bodies.Promote Gender Equality: Address and rectify gender imbalances in areas such as land ownership, access to grants, and recognition of women's work on farms.

Details: Women in Agriculture

Intent: Protection of farming livelihoods: ICSA aims to safeguard farmers from policies that could restrict their land use and threaten their income.Ensuring fair compensation: The association seeks proper compensation for farmers affected by rewetting measures and land restrictions.Restoration of trust: ICSA advocates for meaningful engagement with farmers in policy discussions to rebuild trust and ensure that agricultural interests are considered in environmental policies.

Details: Opposition to mandatory rewetting

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