Results 21,981-22,000 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Pigmeat Sector (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: The development of a viable pigmeat sector is a priority for me given the crucial role which the industry plays in supporting approximately 7,000 jobs including production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services. In 2015 export volumes increased by approximately 8%, with growth to the UK, Continental Europe and International markets. Export values at €570 million, fell...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Dairy Sector (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: The price of milk and dairy commodities is determined by a range of factors, including supply and demand at international level. Food commodity markets including dairy markets have been characterised by significant levels of volatility for a number of years and this trend has continued throughout 2015 and into early 2016. Factors contributing to global price volatility in 2015 included...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Applications (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: An application under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 6 May 2015. The processing of this application is on-going. An official from my Department will be in direct contact with the person named to finalise processing in this case.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Direct Payment Scheme (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 192 together. The need to protect the viability of the family farm is an imperative that informs all discussions with my counterparts at European level, and I am fully satisfied that farm families in Ireland will continue to benefit in a fair and equitable manner from the ongoing reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. These twin imperatives...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Basic Payment Scheme (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: The position in relation to the main farm support payments in 2016 is as follows: The closing date for applications under the 2016 Areas of Natural Constraints scheme is 16 May 2016. Payments are due to commence in late September on cases which have fulfilled the necessary area and stocking requirements under the scheme. The closing date for applications under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Industry Development (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 196 together. The main targets set out in the Food Harvest report published in 2010 were, by 2020, to increase the value of: primary output by 33% and agri-food exports by 42% (both from a 2007-09 average baseline); and to increase value added production by 40% (from a 2008 baseline). In addition to these value increases, the dairy industry targeted a...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Marketing Programme (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: There is a strong demand for meat globally and my role as Minister is to facilitate market access and to enable Irish exporters to take advantage of the opportunities that arise. My Department engages on an ongoing basis with many Third countries, in collaboration with Bord Bia, the meat industry, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and the European Commission on various market...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Safety Standards (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: As the Deputy will be aware, I attach great importance to the food and drink industries exports and their contribution to our economic recovery. Agri food exports account for 7% of GDP and continue to grow year on year. My colleague, the Minister for Health, has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation and new EU food information regulations which were adopted by the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fishery Harbour Centres (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: Pursuant to the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968 (as amended), my Department is responsible for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Castletownbere, Dingle , Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros an Mhíl. Charges for the use of facilities and services at each of the Fishery Harbour Centres are levied by virtue of the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates & Charges) Order 2012...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fishery Harbour Centres (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute. While first and foremost a working fishery harbour, Howth, similar to the other five Fishery Harbour Centres, has its own unique features and is home to a broad range of diverse economic and social activities. My Department is conscious...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Appeals (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: In order to comply with EU requirements, the 2013 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility inspection. The inspection identified discrepancies between the areas declared and the area found resulting in an over-declaration in area of greater than 50%. Based on the terms and conditions of the scheme this...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Departmental Staff Recruitment (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: Throughout 2016, my Department is seeking to recruit up to 200 new staff in a range of disciplines including veterinary and agricultural science graduates, laboratory and Information Technology experts, technical agricultural officers, engineers, and general administrative staff with a range of expertise. Competitions are carried out in conjunction with our recruitment partners the Public...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: The Government approved the allocation of €5m for an emergency humanitarian support scheme to small businesses and community, sporting and voluntary bodies which through no fault of their own have been unable to secure flood insurance and suffered flood damage during the severe weather in December 2015 to January 2016. The scheme is being administered by the Irish Red Cross. The...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Appointments to State Boards (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: The only State body currently under the aegis of the Department of Defence is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927 and is based in St. Bricin’s Military Hospital in Dublin. The position of Army Medical Corps ordinary member of the Army Pensions Board became temporarily vacant in September...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: In December 2015, the Government approved the allocation of €5m for an emergency humanitarian support scheme to small businesses and community, sporting and voluntary bodies which through no fault of their own had been unable to secure flood insurance on their premises and were flooded during the storms of December 2015 to January 2016. The scheme is being administered by the Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Retirements (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: Upon retirement from the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF), Other Ranks personnel are presented with an AF42 RDF, Certificate of Discharge which recognises their service with the RDF. Officers of the RDF receive a Certificate of Service, which similarly recognises their service. In addition, there are specific service awards made to members of the RDF depending on the duration of service. In...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Personnel Data (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: It has not been possible in the time available to compile the information in the format sought by the Deputy. The information is currently being compiled by the Department and I will provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Recruitment (20 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services, the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Industry Development (21 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the important role that Naas and County Kildare play in the Irish agri-food sector and the contribution to growth and employment made by companies based there in relation to prepared consumer foods, meat, dairy, bakery and confectionery, as well as the investment by an Irish food multinational in a Global Technology and Innovation Centre in Naas. Food Wise 2025 which was...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fishing Industry (21 Apr 2016)

Simon Coveney: In Budget 2014, the Government announced that in conjunction with the Inter Departmental Marine Co-ordination Group, a review of the financial and taxation supports available to the Marine Sector would be carried out, to examine strategic measures which could be introduced to help Ireland as an island nation to fulfil its potential in the marine area. Phase 1 of this review involved an...