Latest news with #Heydon
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
No guarantee on Nitrates Derogation extension
The Department announced last week that the European Commission has been explicit that Ireland must address the Habitats Directive as well as water quality if it wants to keep the derogation. 'I haven't been given any firm commitment from the Commission,' Mr Heydon said. 'It's really important that I'm clear on this. I haven't been given any nod and wink that we will get an extension. That is something that will be a vote from all member states. 'But it's been made very clear if we don't address the Habitats Directive, there is no vote on extending the derogation. So this is really the only option available.' Speaking to the Farming Independent, he said the plan is to communicate to the Commission it is Ireland's intention to incorporate the Habitats Directive in order to keep the Nitrates Derogation. The Minister also confirmed that appropriate assessments would not take place on a farm-by-farm basis, but rather on a catchment or sub-catchment basis. The efforts and the work that farmers have made in improving water quality has kept us on the pitch, he said, but incorporating the Habitats Directive would take time. While the vote by member states will be either in December or next March, he said the immediate plans is to 'officially indicate to the Commission this month that we will be addressing the Habitats Directive as part of our approach'. He added: 'We obviously have a significant amount of work to do around that process for the autumn. 'We don't need the detailed plan to go to the Commission in July. I've no intention of trying to put together anything in a rush here, we will do this right. 'I'm being really, really clear with the Commission that we are engaging here in good faith to give us the best chance for that to continue. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'To have the derogation, we need flexibility around time because what we will be undertaking will take years, will not be done in a couple of months, will not be done by the end of the year. 'My intention would be to indicate officially that we were addressing the Habitats Directive as part of that and drawing up a plan as what that looks like. 'There are 46 catchment areas and 583 sub-catchments and we know we would need to go through the sub-catchment basis as well as the catchment basis, and that is a very big undertaking. 'Our plan this year will be putting structures in place to be able to start that process as soon as possible, possibly over the winter into next year.' This plan, he said, would involve hiring a number of ecologists, which he says is his intention to do within his Department. 'While we need to bring in outside expertise, I want to retain control of that within the Department. I think that's very important.' By engaging in good faith with the Commission, we give ourselves the best chance for them to allow us to proceed with our plan and grant us a derogation He also said it is his intention that his Department, or the Exchequer, will fund the Appropriate Assessment process. 'If a farmer individually wanted to do an appropriate assessment down the line, it will be open to them to do that, but I don't think that's a practical approach from the State, to say that we would do that at that level.' He also said the process would take place on a phased basis, hence the need for an extension from Europe. 'Obviously, you're not going to be able to do all the country in one go, so this can be done in phases at a time. That's why the ask now is an extension as part of this process. 'No more than four years ago, when the detailed negotiations went to the wire and we were operating out of derogation if you like... there always is the risk that you don't get the derogation, and then overnight, we have a very big challenge in the country. So this will be down to the wire again. 'But my hope and expectation will be that by engaging in good faith with the Commission, we give ourselves the best chance for them to allow us to proceed with our plan and grant us a derogation.'
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
EU proposes major cut to farm subsidies
Under the new proposal, CAP funding would fall to €300 billion for the next seven-year period, compared to €387 billion allocated for 2021–2027. When adjusted to real prices, this amounts to an estimated 30% reduction in funding. The CAP will also no longer be a standalone fund. Instead, it will be merged into a single mega-fund alongside cohesion and rural development spending, to be managed at the national level through new National and Regional Partnership Plans. It comes as a draft proposal on the next CAP leaked in recent days also outlines a controversial shake-up of how direct farm payments are distributed, including new caps on large payouts. Under the Commission's blueprint, income support would be capped at €100,000 per year per farmer. Tiered reductions would apply to larger recipients: payments above €20,000 would face a 25% cut, those above €50,000 a 50% cut, and anything over €75,000 would be cut by 75%. The goal is to reallocate support towards smaller farms. Previous efforts to impose caps on farm subsidies have been blocked by member states concerned about their larger farming operations. The proposals are likely to spark resistance from Europe's powerful farming lobby. The influential COPA-COGECA group, of which the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) is a member, has strongly opposed the merging of CAP's two-pillar structure and warned against the redistribution of direct payments. Ireland, a net contributor to the EU budget since 2013, receives the bulk of its EU receipts through CAP. Under the current CAP Strategic Plan (2023–2027), Ireland receives nearly €2 billion annually to support its farming and agri-food sectors. Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon recently warned of the economic risks posed by CAP cuts. 'As a country that is now a net contributor to the overall EU budget, there are many things we pay into that we don't get a direct return from,' he said. 'Of the receipts the Exchequer gets back from what we pay into Europe, 75pc comes through the CAP. If CAP is reduced, that hits the overall economy in terms of how much of that return we see.' In 2023, Ireland contributed €3.6 billion to the EU budget. That figure is forecast to rise to almost €4.5 billion by 2027. However, speaking today Minister Heydon said today's publication is just the beginning of a 'protracted process'. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "Member States will, through the Council of Ministers, begin the process of agreeing a general approach to the Commission's proposals, before engaging in line by line negotiations with the EU Parliament and the EU Commission. "This will take some time, and I fully expect the progression of these proposals to be a significant feature of Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of next year.' Broader overhaul of EU spending The CAP reform is part of a wider redesign of the EU's long-term budget. The Commission today unveiled a draft Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 worth nearly €2 trillion — equivalent to 1.26% of the EU's gross national income. President Ursula von der Leyen said the revamped budget would help the EU 'shape its own destiny' in an era of global uncertainty. 'Our new long-term budget will help protect European citizens, strengthen Europe's social model and make our European industry thrive,' she said. 'In a time of geopolitical instability, the budget will allow Europe to shape its own destiny, in line with its vision and ideals.' The Commission stressed that new demands on the EU budget — including defence, migration, energy resilience and industrial competitiveness — require a fundamental overhaul. 'Europe faces an increasing number of challenges... These are not temporary but reflect systemic geopolitical and economic shifts,' the Commission said. One pressing concern is the EU's mounting debt, with repayments of €25–30 billion per year due to begin in 2028. To fund new priorities and ease the burden on national budgets, the Commission proposed five new 'own resources,' including levies on emissions, e-waste, tobacco, and large corporate revenues. Combined, these are expected to raise €58.5 billion per year. Next steps The Commission's draft budget must be agreed unanimously by member states, following approval from the European Parliament. Several proposals, including new revenue streams, require ratification by national parliaments.
Irish Examiner
16-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Spotlight on female-led sustainability launched
The 'Spotlight on Female-Led Sustainability' booklet was launched by the Minister of Agriculture, Martin Heydon. The booklet launch is part of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan, which aims to promote the role of women in improved social, environmental and economic sustainability for the sector. The Women in Agriculture Working Group, responsible for the delivery of the Action Plan, developed the booklet, which profiles twelve female farmers, fishers, foresters, and food producers innovating in sustainability. Increasing the visibility of women's contribution to sustainability across the sector provides positive female role models to inspire other women and young girls. As part of the launch, Minister Heydon visited the stud farm of Mariann Klay in Swordlestown, Naas, Co Kildare, whose sustainability initiatives were highlighted in the booklet. Farmer, Mariann Klay, with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, on her stud farm, Swordlestown Little Stud Farm, Naas, Co. Kildare. PIC: Maxwells Ms Klay believes that incorporating and encouraging greater biodiversity has been a key part of their successful stud farm. A full-time farmer since 2003 and an active Farming for Nature ambassador, Mariann proudly promotes improved sustainability and biodiversity on her farm. Minister Heydon acknowledged the importance of the contribution women make to the Irish agri-food sector at the launch, especially in areas of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. 'Advancing the role of women in agriculture is a key priority for me and is a commitment in the Programme for Government. The importance of gender balance to the long-term sustainable future of the sector is widely recognised and it is important that we continue to build on the progress of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan. Sustainability is one of the areas in which women are leading the way for the sector, contributing to a resilient and viable sector for future generations of farmers,' he said, reiterating his commitment to supporting women in agri-food roles.
Irish Independent
15-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Simon Harris to tell Cabinet 30pc tariff on EU exports could result in job losses at a faster pace
The EU and US had been engaged in negotiations ahead of a deadline last week, but US president Donald Trump announced he was pushing back the imposition of a higher rate of tariffs until August 1. Mr Trump also said he would impose 30pc tariffs on the bloc if a deal is not reached, in a move that EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said would make trade between the two regions almost 'impossible'. If negotiations on a deal fail and the EU imposes countermeasures worth €72bn, this would hurt both the US and the EU, Mr Harris will tell ministers today. Ministers will also be updated on plans to engage with the pharmaceutical industry later this week, a sector Mr Harris will say is an area of significant concern for Ireland. There is a real resolve to continue with those negotiations in good faith Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, who is in Brussels for the EU Agri-Fish council, said the mood has been one of calm. Mr Heydon said the EU believed the announcement over the weekend was a negotiating tactic. 'There is a real resolve to continue with those negotiations in good faith. In one way, nothing has changed. Because it is still about August 1,' he told the Irish Independent. 'It's not that long ago, 50pc was being threatened. Now 30pc is in a letter. We have to continue to negotiate in good faith,' he added. Mr Heydon said while more time to negotiate is welcome, there is significant concern over the uncertainty it is causing businesses. 'Every business can deal with changes if they know what the future looks like, but the future keeps changing,' he said. 'We were glad there was an extension to August 1, that we avoided a cliff-edge date, but at some stage, we do need a final decision here. We do need clarity about the future for our companies, because there's been so much turmoil this year that's not good for supply chains.' Mr Heydon said while talks will continue, it was important the US knew that the EU would have a firm response to high tariffs, which will come in the form of a list of retaliatory measures. 'In all negotiations, you try and avoid escalating them, but the other side has to know that at some point you do have options open to you,' he said. 'The European Union recognises its strength and recognised [its strength] on Brexit, and it will recognise it in its negotiations with the US. 'That's why the counter list comes up. There has to be that possibility of a firm response should the other tariffs come into play.' Speaking yesterday, following a meeting with US ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh, Simon Harris said the EU has to 'prepare for all scenarios'. 'The message I relayed to the US ambassador is a consistent one and a very straightforward one: we in Ireland, we in Europe, want a deal,' he said. 'We want a trade deal that is good for Ireland, good for Europe, good for the United States of America, and I believe there is a clear landing zone in relation to that.' He continued: 'I believe there was a landing zone very nearly there last week, and it's regrettable that wasn't arrived at.' However, he remains confident that a deal can happen in the days ahead. The European Commission is due to publish an expanded list of counter- tariffs that would be implemented if an agreement is not reached. If there isn't a deal Europe also has options at its disposal Mr Harris said the 'optimal position' would be to get to a deal where 'we can rip up that list and never need to see it implemented'. 'A countermeasure list is an important step of saying to president Trump: 'Hang on, we want a deal here, we want a way forward, but if there isn't a deal Europe also has options at its disposal',' he added. The Tánaiste said the Government will also analyse the list and engage with the commission over any 'areas of concern for Ireland' that arise. Mr Harris said the pharma sector remains an area of significant concern. 'Europe must remain calm, must remain united – our strength is in being united, 460 million of us – and must of course prepare for all scenarios,' he said. Earlier, European commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection, Michael McGrath said the bloc's response to 30pc tariffs would be 'firm, quick and robust'.
Irish Examiner
14-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Poultry sector on high alert for avian influenza
The €700m poultry industry, which supports over 5,000 jobs and involves some 800 farms in commercial production, is again on high alert for bird flu. Dead wild seabirds have been washed up on shorelines in Kerry, Clare and Galway during the past month, according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Some have tested positive for the contagious virus. Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said all poultry flock owners in these coastal areas, whether they have commercial farms or a few backyard hens, should implement stringent biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading to their flocks. He called on members of the public who may encounter dead birds on beaches this summer not to touch or pick them up, keep pet dogs on leash and report any suspicions of avian influenza to their regional veterinary office without delay. Mr Heydon thanked members of the public who have taken the time to submit a report to the department through its Avian Check app about sightings of dead wild birds. 'This is citizen science in action to protect public and animal health,' he said. The poultry sector, which produces 170,000 tonnes of meat and 900 million eggs annually, is a critical part of the rural economy and contributes over €140m in wages. Exports in 2022 were valued at more than €350m, €200m of which was value-added products, and €150m primary poultry products. The World Organisation for Animal Health recently warned bird flu has evolved beyond an animal health crisis into a global emergency, threatening agriculture, food security, trade, and ecosystems. There have been no outbreaks of the virus in poultry in Ireland over the past three years to date, but the disease is currently circulating in wild birds. A total of 25 of these birds have tested positive for the virus in Ireland so far this year, according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which is intensely monitoring the situation and reporting any suspected cases to the Department of Agriculture for testing. The Health and Safety Authority has assured the public cases of bird flu in people are very rare. However, a bird flu outbreak among poultry and dairy cattle in the United States has led to 67 confirmed human cases, and one death. The genotype currently circulating in the US has not yet been detected in Europe, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In October 2023, France became the first EU country to roll out a countrywide vaccination campaign against bird flu in ducks, due to their key role in disease transmission. It was said to have helped reduce the number of outbreaks from a projected 700 to just 10. Last year, the European Commission purchased 665,000 pre-pandemic vaccine doses targeting avian influenza and took an option for 40 million doses over the next four years, in preparation for any potential future spread to humans. Read More The frightening breakdown of animal health across Europe's farms
