Results 2,121-2,140 of 2,211 for speaker:Paul Connaughton

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Beef Data Genomics Programme: Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (17 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: There is a certain amount of distrust in the farming community regarding this matter on the basis that it has been run out. The federation is trying to move on the genetics of the herd quite quickly. This is taking away farmers' old-style belief in being able to tell by eye how good an animal is. Moving from this approach to science results in some distrust. Is there any independent body...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Beef Data Genomics Programme: Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (17 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: From an ICBF perspective, our very clear breeding recommendation is that in order to achieve genetic gain, purebred bulls should be used to generate the next generation. The scheme allows for non-purebred bulls to be used but the ICBF recommends at all times that a purebred bull be used. All aspects of our breeding programme support that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Beef Data Genomics Programme: Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (17 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: Is that not counter-productive if there is an anomaly with a four-star or five-star crossbred animal?

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agriculture Scheme Payments (19 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: 110. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received payment under the areas of natural constraint scheme or the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40996/15]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Threat Response Plan for Hen Harriers (24 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: 254. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when details will be available to those who wish to plant lands in Hen Harrier designated areas, further to the locally-led hen harrier scheme announced recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41530/15]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agriculture Scheme Payments (24 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: 255. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the areas of natural constraint scheme and the basic payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41531/15]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Farm Partnerships (24 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: 256. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a transfer of entitlements from a person (details supplied) in County Galway to a partnership has been effected; when payment will issue under the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41532/15]

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Forestry Sector (24 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: 606. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when details will be available to those who wish to plant lands in hen harrier designated areas under the locally-led hen harrier scheme announced recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41529/15]

Credit Union Sector: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: I thank the Chair for the opportunity to speak on the motion tonight. The important role credit unions play throughout the country has been acknowledged on all sides of the House. There is no one in the credit union movement who does not believe we understand that importance, but there is a specific issue before us tonight and going into the future that needs to be addressed. I am sure all...

Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (Resumed) (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to contribute on this Bill. Providing greater ease of access to credit for SMEs is at the core of this debate. The scheme, which was established three years ago, sought to augment rather than replace conventional access to credit and it is important that the Government continues to review the scheme's operation and makes amendments where...

Public Accounts Committee: Bord na gCon Financial Statements 2014 (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: I will keep this brief because much of this has been discussed already. I welcome the members of the deputation. My questions relate to the Indecon report. The last time the deputation from Bord na gCon was before the committee certain positions were unfilled. Have they been filled since?

Public Accounts Committee: Bord na gCon Financial Statements 2014 (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: The Indecon report recommended certain positions would give the board more expertise. Have those positions now been filled?

Public Accounts Committee: Bord na gCon Financial Statements 2014 (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: Which positions require legislation?

Public Accounts Committee: Bord na gCon Financial Statements 2014 (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: What sort of expertise?

Public Accounts Committee: Bord na gCon Financial Statements 2014 (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: Perhaps the Department can comment. What other expertise does the Department believe should be added?

Public Accounts Committee: Bord na gCon Financial Statements 2014 (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: What positions were filled in the past year? What positions has the organisation been able to fill?

Public Accounts Committee: Bord na gCon Financial Statements 2014 (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: My next question relates to asset disposal. I realise the organisation has gone through some disposals already. Are there any other assets to be disposed of in the coming years that the organisation has not informed the committee of yet? Is there anything in the pipeline? Is that it for asset disposal at the moment?

Public Accounts Committee: Bord na gCon Financial Statements 2014 (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: The Bord na gCon deputation made the point that in recent months the board has gone through a consultation period to try to get the grass roots involved. Has the organisation gone back to the people who have left the industry to ask them why they have left the industry?

Public Accounts Committee: Bord na gCon Financial Statements 2014 (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: When going to Galway track, for instance, it is very apparent that there are two different kinds of people there. There are those very much into the dogs and the racing side of things, and there are those who are there for the night out. Are there two separate strategies or is it one for everybody?

Public Accounts Committee: Bord na gCon Financial Statements 2014 (26 Nov 2015)

Paul Connaughton: Regarding the betting on tracks, there is the Tote and the other lads outside. Are they leaving it as well? What is the breakdown between the Tote and-----