Intent: To voice farmers' anger and frustration at the ever-increasing administrative burden being placed on them which has had a major impact on farm family incomes.::These frustrations have broadened into anger with European and National lawmakers over the massive increase in regulations relating to Agriculture. The EU, the Irish Government and local Government are devising policies far from the farm gate with little or no consideration of the direct impact on farmers.::The following are some of the key issues that are contributing to growing frustration and anger with the political system::1. The transformation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) away from supporting food production towards actually reducing farm output. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding is being redirected to environmental schemes – the EU is effectively implementing new environmental regulations such as the “eco-schemes” on the cheap by redirecting existing funding instead of allocating additional funds.::2
Details: Donegal County Council -Enough is Enough Campaign
AFI & ICAAN were one of a number of NGO's to sign a letter seeking changes to the Intoxicating Liquor Bill (2024) and in particular seeking that a Health Impact Assessment be carried out on the Bill to assess its potential impacts on public health, safety and well being. Letter was sent to; An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, TD;Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, TD; Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications & Transport, Eamon Ryan, TD in Feb. - LetterBriefing on Sale of Alcohol Bill (and Intoxicating Liquor Bill, 2024) in Letterkenny in Jan 2024. Between 25-30 in attendance including a number of councillors and 1 Oireachtas member. - Event / ReceptionBriefing on Sale of Alcohol Bill (and Intoxicating Liquor Bill, 2024) in Sligo office of Alcohol Forum Ireland. 10 in attendance including 1 councillor and 1 Oireachtas member. - Event / Reception
Emails to Department of Agriculture officials, Oireachtas members and local constituency representatives. - EmailMeeting with Department officials and members of the Oireachtas. - Meeting
Preparation meeting with Donegal County Council officials on 17th January 22Preparation with Derry Chamber and Council officials from both sides of the border.Meeting with the full group on 21st January 22. Councillors and officials in attendance received a presentation from the Chamber delegation on a range of issues. A Q&A session followed. - Virtual Meeting
Intent: Support for IOOA in rejecting the Government Amendment to Ban Oil and Gas future licences in the absence of an Energy Security Review.
Details: Email to highlight the effects of the Amendment for the Offshore Petroleum industry in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021
