Results 2,721-2,740 of 18,450 for speaker:Brendan Smith

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: I believe that the agriculture, food and fishery sectors can play a crucial role in the revitalisation of our economy. The agri-food sector is our pre-eminent indigenous manufacturing sector. It is strongly export oriented, with exports amounting to more than €8 billion, and has a very low import content in its inputs. It is also labour intensive. This is precisely the type of industry...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: The completion of the negotiations on the CAP health check late last year was an important development for the sector. My main aims in the negotiations were to achieve an increase in milk quotas while maintaining the market management mechanisms in the milk sector and to gain access to unspent single payment funds. I was happy to have succeeded in achieving those aims, while at the same time...

Written Answers — Afforestation Programme: Afforestation Programme (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: Almost €125 million has been allocated to the forestry subhead for 2009, demonstrating the Government's commitment to maintaining an active and substantial forestry programme into the future. Over €100 million of this allocation has been assigned to the afforestation programme. The Afforestation Scheme is fully operational and my officials are accepting and processing both applications...

Written Answers — Horse Breeding Organisation: Horse Breeding Organisation (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: Horse Sport Ireland is the breeding organisation approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to maintain the studbook of origin (commonly known as "mother studbook") for Irish Draught Horse breed. Horse Sport Ireland has a written policy on breed preservation.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: The Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme state that entitlements, which were activated (claimed) by the farmer in 2005, had to be used at least once in every three-year period i.e. 2006, 2007, 2008. "Used" in this context means that in any year one hectare of eligible land must have been declared in respect of each entitlement held. The Regulations further state that any...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: I am keenly aware of the problems encountered by farmers as a consequence of the bad weather, particularly the harvesting of forage and cereal crops in 2008. In recognition of these problems, I wrote to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Fischer Boel, seeking approval for the early payment of the 2008 Single Payment. My request was for advance payment at a rate of...

Written Answers — Pigmeat Sector: Pigmeat Sector (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: The agreement concluded with pigmeat processors in December involved making available a facility of €180 million from the public finances to assist processors in funding the recall and destruction of certain pork products from the market and products in storage. The details of the scheme have been published on my Department's website and final payments will be effected without delay once...

Written Answers — Food Labelling: Food Labelling (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. In this...

Written Answers — Installation Aid Scheme: Installation Aid Scheme (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: I have no plans at present to reopen the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme to new applications having regard to the general budgetary situation.

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: Entry to REPS 4 continues to be available to eligible applicants and I have no plans at present to restrict or close entry to the scheme.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Jan 2009)

Brendan Smith: The processing of grant applications is an operational matter for Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and, under the Sea Fisheries Act 1952, I have no remit as to the operational aspects of its work programme.

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (3 Feb 2009)

Brendan Smith: An Garda Síochána are continuing their investigation into the dioxin contamination incident that arose in a food recycling premises. My Department is assisting them in whatever manner required. They are also being assisted by other Agencies. I am not in a position to comment further.

Written Answers — Farm Waste Management Scheme: Farm Waste Management Scheme (3 Feb 2009)

Brendan Smith: 17,397 payment applications remain to be brought to final payment stage under the Farm Waste Management scheme in 2009, including those which have completed the inspection process in 2008. As all these applications are at different stages of finalisation, including those under query with the farmer, etc., it is not possible to determine an average waiting time for inspection in regard to...

Written Answers — Farm Waste Management Scheme: Farm Waste Management Scheme (3 Feb 2009)

Brendan Smith: The arrangements for payment of the grants due to farmers under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme which closed for payment applications at the end of 2008 are currently under review.

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (3 Feb 2009)

Brendan Smith: Entry to REPS 4 continues to be available to eligible applicants.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (3 Feb 2009)

Brendan Smith: The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (3 Feb 2009)

Brendan Smith: The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (3 Feb 2009)

Brendan Smith: The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.