Results 2,001-2,020 of 8,073 for speaker:Peter Burke
- Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Remuneration (3 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: 52. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the protest of 19 September 2018 regarding pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. [39913/18]
- Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid Provision (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: 56. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the financial support given to the state of Palestine in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40522/18]
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: I thank the Cathaoirleach. I thank the witnesses for their attendance. I have a few brief questions. First, I am not impressed that we could not get a detailed explanation for the financial charges in the accounts when we have the head of finance and the chief operations officer before us. An increase of 362% is substantial. We should be able to detail that in the accounts. That...
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: It is a small part. I was wondering about how that circle is squared. I see Teagasc has investments in private companies. It is an ordinary shareholder in Glanbia, Kerry Group and Lakeland as part of its business model. Their business models involve selling fertilisers. Another key part is to sell animal remedies etc. How does Professor Boyle safeguard his organisation in promoting...
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: How does Teagasc safeguard in terms of-----
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: Does Teagasc have to accept shares in respect of the sale of milk? Does it not have a choice in that?
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: I know, but this is different from farmers. This is a State organisation. That is where my concerns arise.
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: In terms of Teagasc's livestock, from the holdings listed in the accounts, I note that its stock increased by more than 20% but that the mortality rate of livestock and the value thereof increased by 73%. There seems to have been a significant increase in the number of stock that died on the holdings. Is there any reason for that?
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: It is a big increase however. Teagasc's stock increased by approximately 24.5% but the mortality rate seems to be creeping up. It is up at 4% of total stock now. It is a little bit disproportionate in terms of the value. Is there any detailed reason for that?
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: I would imagine breeding stock is held at a reduced value for accounting purposes, so one would imagine that values should not impact on that figure. Neither should breeding new stock in because it would not have hit the marketplace yet.
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: That does not explain what happened. I can move on. The witnesses said Teagasc has service level agreements with private third level colleges for any moneys paid. On page 78 of the annual report, €175,000 for tax advice is mentioned. What is the nature of that advice?
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: Would the figure for that year be considered high?
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: Under other consultancy costs there is a figure of €345,000. What is the nature of that? It is on the same page.
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: The highest overtime payment was €23,000 to one individual. The details are in note 9 on page 96. How is overtime recorded? Is there a computerised system? Does Teagasc consider this amount significant?
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: Is he contracted out to farmers?
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: This is Teagasc's own milking.
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: I thought that should be easy to manage with a basic core salary for milking. We know when cows have to be milked. It is not something that changes. It is not irregular.
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: The basic salary level is not reflective of the work he is doing.
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: Is he the only individual who is anywhere near the rate of €22,000 or €23,000 that we saw in previous years? Is it one individual each year?
- Public Accounts Committee: Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 (4 Oct 2018)
Peter Burke: No one else is near that figure.