Results 2,201-2,220 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ireland's national action programme under the directive was formally submitted to the European Commission by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 29 July 2005. The next step is for the Minister to make regulations to...

EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: I am surprised the Deputy did not thank me for recognising the significant implications of my proposals for his constituency and deciding to increase grant aid. He did, however, reflect——

EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: The issue is before the European Commission. It is my intention to activate the scheme from the beginning of next year when applications will be sought. In the period prior to Commission approval being given, those preparing to develop new facilities should make appropriate preparations, for example, securing the necessary planning permissions. The derogation would be important for...

EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: The scheme will include an annual review.

EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: I do not want to see builders taking a hand out of farmers.

EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: I look forward to doing so.

Bovine Diseases. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: I am aware both of the confirmation of BSE in an animal born in Wales in 2002 and the reports of BSE being transmitted in an experimental sheep flock in the United Kingdom. There are no particular implications for Ireland as a result of either incident. To date, 16 cases of BSE have been confirmed here in animals born after 1998, the most recent of which had a registered date of birth of...

Bovine Diseases. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: Sixteen animals born after 1997 have been diagnosed with BSE, of which four were born in 1998, seven in 1999, three in 2000 and two in 2001. A further ten cases were confirmed in animals born in 1997 but a number of these were born before the full range of control measures was in place. The Department carries out an investigation into each of the comparatively small number of cases of animals...

Bovine Diseases. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: I appreciate the Deputy's particular concern on this issue. We are doing everything we can to ascertain if there are particular issues as to why this occurs. However, I have been advised that there will always be sporadic incidents and that is reflected in the UK also.

Bovine Diseases. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: A number of issues have been raised. On Deputy Upton's question, we have looked at the geographical spread. There have been investigations and last week there was a prosecution for an illegal animal knackery circumventing the controls. Where issues outside of the scientific aspects arise, the Department deals with them strictly. I did not get a copy of the press release on MRSA to which...

Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: According to Central Statistics Office data there were a total of 147,600 farmers in 1997, of which 98,300 or 67% were classified as full-time or farmers having no other occupation. By 2003, the latest year that such data are available, the total number of farmers had fallen by 8% to 135,300. Of this number, 77,900 or 58% were classified as full-time or having no other occupation. While the...

Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: Alternative farming is certainly now an option on the basis of decoupling and I note a slight trend in that direction such as specialisation in the free range area. We are doing all we can to encourage organic farming. This is a difficult task but every effort is being made to encourage it. On the basis of REPS, for example, we were in a position to give opportunities to people who wish to...

Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: I have no need to go to Carr Communications. I can speak to the Deputy in two languages, and a third if he is stuck.

Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: It is quite unfair and incorrect to say Teagasc cooked the books. While the household survey will indicate one result, the farm survey will indicate another. If I remember correctly, the farm survey shows a 3% increase in farm incomes. The policies we now pursue recognise the different types of farming taking place. I am delighted the Deputy took the opportunity to attend the ploughing...

Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: The beef premium overshoot is to be paid. The Deputy's facts are incorrect. I am glad he is wakening up to what is happening.

Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: Beef premium has been paid and the overshoot has been dealt with and passed by a committee in the Deputy's absence. Single farm payment will be paid on time in December and new alternatives are being worked on to try and support farming enterprises. I will continue with this work. Over a short period some 47,000 people have moved into REPS. Farmers are looking at alternatives.

EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: Directive 2004/28 of the Council and of the European Parliament, which is the new EU legislation governing the veterinary medicines regime, must be transposed into national law no later than 30 October of this year. My Department has circulated draft regulations designed to give effect to the new EU legislation and to reform aspects of the existing national regime for consultation. Written...

EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: I will consider that in due course. As I said in my previous reply, it reflects what is usually used.

EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: I agree with Deputy Upton that those are the issues with which we must deal. The United Kingdom has proceeded differently on the black market. We must ensure competition and people must not feel under pressure that their choice will be restricted. We want a balance between the confidence of the consumer and the cost to the farmer. I intend that between now and 1 January 2007 we will be in a...

Estimates for Public Services 2005. (4 Oct 2005)

Mary Coughlan: I move the following Supplementary Estimate: Vote 31 — Agriculture and Food (Supplementary). That a supplementary sum not exceeding €1,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on 31 December 2005 for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for Agriculture and Food, including certain services administered by that...