Results 9,281-9,300 of 23,978 for speaker:Charlie McConalogue

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Common Agricultural Policy (14 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: As the Deputy is probably aware, we are currently finalising the preparation of our CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), which will be submitted to the Commission for approval by the end of the year. The plan contains a comprehensive set of schemes which will lead to reductions in absolute greenhouse gas emissions, with significant co-benefits for air, water quality and biodiversity. Central to the CSP...

Seafood Taskforce Final Report: Statements (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: It is a unanimous report.

Seafood Taskforce Final Report: Statements (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: It is a unanimous report.

Seafood Taskforce Final Report: Statements (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank all the speakers for their contributions to this very important debate. It is obviously an important time and has been a crucial year for our fishing sector. It was a very difficult year for our fishermen, coming out of the impact of the Brexit agreement. It was really important we had this debate to discuss the sea fisheries task force report, which was presented to me in October,...

Seafood Taskforce Final Report: Statements (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and colleagues. I apologise for the slight delay in starting. I thank the House for this opportunity to update it on the outcome of the seafood task force process that I instigated in March this year in response to the unacceptable outcome for Ireland’s seafood sector of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, TCA. It is appropriate that I...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Common Agricultural Policy (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: The eco-schemes will run alongside the new agri-environmental scheme, which will pay up to a maximum of €10,000 to farmers participating in co-operative measures. Up to a maximum of €7,000 will be paid to those in the standard environmental scheme. The range of options in the eco-schemes in Pillar 1 will give opportunities to everyone. We encourage everyone to participate,...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Investigations (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I have no doubt that the Northern Irish Administration takes as seriously as we do the importance of ensuring that nutrients are well managed and facilities of the highest standards are in place on each farm to do that. We give massive grants of between 40% and 60% to support farmers to put in place slurry tanks, sheds and appropriate handling facilities. Farmers take it really seriously....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Common Agricultural Policy (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank the Deputy for raising this today and for engaging with me intensively in recent months on the issue of putting together a CAP that will serve farmers well. I particularly acknowledge his representations on ensuring eco-schemes are available that will serve all farm types. I am glad to inform him that following the consultations I have done with him and other Oireachtas...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Common Agricultural Policy (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: The key objective I have had is to include options which will ensure that every farmer can participate. I want every farmer to participate. It is really important on every farm type that the interaction with the environment, the synchronicity between agricultural production and the environment are fully considered and taken cognisance of in terms of farming practice. The objective behind...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Common Fisheries Policy (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank the Deputy for his question. This is one I have answered on many occasions previously. I welcome the opportunity to clarify this matter again. I hope this information will be helpful to everyone. Under the CFP, EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds, subject to allocated fish quotas and the rules of the CFP. There are restrictions on access...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Common Fisheries Policy (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: The detail is very important in this regard. I am fighting the battle all the time at European level to try to maximise our fish quotas. I will be in Brussels on Sunday and Monday, once again fighting the battle regarding our national fish quota. We were also fighting that at the last Council meeting. Ireland was the only EU member state to vote against the proposal. I voted against it...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Common Fisheries Policy (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: This is an issue that I have discussed with the producer organisations before, one I have clarified and one that the Marine Institute does a full assessment of. I outlined the challenges in that regard in my response. The quota areas, which are based on ICES areas, do not reflect economic zones. Regarding the most accurate assessment possible in respect of calculating this figure, the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Investigations (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank the Deputy. He requested information the number of commissions of investigation currently ongoing under the remit of my Department and the duration and cost of each of those. The Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 provides for the establishment of commissions of investigation that can investigate matters of significant public concern. To be clear, no commissions of investigation...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Investigations (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank the Deputy. This is not something that has been raised with me as an issue. It is a matter best addressed to the Northern Irish Administration since it is a question specifically for the latter. On our work on protecting water quality and ensuring the appropriate management of all farmyard nutrients, we have put massive investment in through the targeted agriculture modernisation,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Bord Bia (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: On the new carbon suckler beef efficiency scheme, for which I increased funding for participating farmers from €90 to €150 on the first ten animals, I have set a condition regarding participation in the quality assurance scheme. The reason is that it enhances the overall offering and strength of our beef sector. It also enhances its marketability and, thus, its profitability....

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Fishing Industry (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank Deputy Mac Lochlainn for the question. As he knows, this issue is very important to me and is one on which I have worked very hard, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to make progress. I know it is an issue for Donegal fishers, particularly those in Greencastle and Killybegs. It has been an important and strategic fishery for many years and one which we value very much and seek...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Fishing Industry (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: My commitment to this is absolute. I am working with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, in every way possible to ensure we resolve this issue diplomatically. Access to the fisheries around Rockall is strategically important to the Irish fleet and we are determined to maintain it. It has always been a traditional fishery for us. We continue to work to resolve this. I understand the importance...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Fishing Industry (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: As the Deputy knows, throughout the Brexit campaign, one of the reasons Boris Johnson and his colleagues advocated for leaving the EU was to take back control of their waters and fish. Despite the fact that they have now left the European Union, the agreement reallocates 25% of what international fleets catch in their waters in the coming years. Some 75% of what the EU, including Ireland,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Agriculture Industry (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: There are two aspects to this, one of which is developing the tools to be able to measure additional sequestration. Teagasc is doing significant research work on how to assess that. I have provided it with the funding to do that. Flux towers across the country are assessing in detail what is happening at farm level, what is going into the soil, what is coming out of it, and developing a...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Agriculture Industry (9 Dec 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: It is important that farms already making a significant contribution to carbon sequestration and biodiversity are recognised and rewarded. The CAP plan this time around is structured to have eco schemes to reward existing good practice. For example, the 7% of space for nature within Pillar 1 in the eco schemes already recognises good practice. Farms that use less chemical nitrogen are also...