Results 2,781-2,800 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Agriculture Policy: Agriculture Policy (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 63 together. The implementation of Food Harvest 2020 is a key commitment of the programme for Government. I would assure the Deputy that I am personally focused on progressing the wide range of State actions needed to drive implementation of this strategic document, which also includes the following targets to be achieved by 2020: - Increase milk...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: It is my intention to publish the Animal Health and Welfare Bill this year. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the Bill is a large and complicated one and will require extensive work in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to complete the required legal drafting. Once a complete draft is available I intend to publish the Bill.

Written Answers — Live Exports: Live Exports (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: The live export trade complements the processed beef trade by providing alternative market outlets thereby underpinning the meat and livestock industry generally. There are two major components to the live export trade: calf shipments to the Continent, and the export of forward stores and finished cattle to the UK. First quarter data for 2011 shows that live exports are 34% below the...

Written Answers — Afforestation Programme: Afforestation Programme (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: Under the programme for Government, there is a commitment to invest in a 14,700 hectares per annum afforestation programme. This is a challenging target, as the average afforestation rate over the last three years (2008-2010) was 7,000 hectares per year; the Government intends to increase that level of afforestation over the coming years. I am currently considering the best means to achieve...

Written Answers — Beef Industry: Beef Industry (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: The Food Harvest 2020 report provides a road map for the long-term development of the Irish agri-food and fishery sectors, including the beef industry, and contains a series of recommendations to realise the vision set out in that document. With regard to the beef industry, Food Harvest 2020 makes a series of recommendations focussed on enhancing farm competitiveness, improving technology...

Written Answers — Common Agricultural Policy: Common Agricultural Policy (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 55, 59 and 61 together. Further reform of the CAP is under discussion because the current financial programming period for the EU budget, including funds for the CAP, will end in 2013. A Commission communication setting out broad policy options for the future CAP, "The CAP towards 2020", was presented on 18 November 2010. Following discussion of this...

Written Answers — Sheep Industry: Sheep Industry (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: The sheep sector in Ireland has experienced renewed confidence in recent times. The valuable contribution this sector makes to the overall agri-food economy cannot be overestimated. The industry's future will depend on its ability to meet the needs of the market and to do this effectively the focus must be on competitiveness, innovation and the demands of the consumer. In our programme for...

Written Answers — Agriculture Policy: Agriculture Policy (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: My priority for the next three months is to provide a renewed impetus to the development of the agri-food and marine sectors of our economy. In our programme for Government, we have indicated our overall support for the Food Harvest 2020 strategy. Over the coming months I intend to ensure that all of the relevant stakeholders are fully engaged in the process of implementing the report's...

Written Answers — Agri-Food Sector: Agri-Food Sector (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: As mentioned in my reply to Parliamentary Question 7714/11, I would regard the key contribution which the agri-food sector will make to Ireland's economic revival relates to Its potential to generate export led growth Its embedded contribution to the economy and employment, Its ability to garner foreign export earnings; and Together these provide the solid foundation for positioning this...

Written Answers — Inshore Fishing Industry: Inshore Fishing Industry (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: Firstly, I wish to give an assurance that I am strongly committed to the development of all aspects of the seafood sector, where I see considerable opportunity for job creation. In the current economic climate I am conscious of the economic importance of the inshore sector to our coastal communities and I wish to give a commitment that I will work to maintain and enhance this sector. I...

Written Answers — Alternative Farm Enterprises: Alternative Farm Enterprises (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: The Bioenergy Scheme for 2011 was launched on 16th November 2010, with a closing date for receipt of applications of 19th January 2011. Due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in December 2010 and early January 2011 which caused great difficulty for farmers, advisors and contractors in assessing suitability of land for planting with miscanthus or willow, the then Minister announced...

Written Answers — Agri-Environment Options Scheme: Agri-Environment Options Scheme (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: I announced the opening of the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) for 2011 on Wednesday 6 April. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 16 May 2011 and I have made available €25m per year to fund the scheme. The maximum annual payment to any farmer is €4,000. Scheme documentation is available on my department's web site and printed documentation will be available shortly....

Written Answers — Milk Quota: Milk Quota (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: There have been a number of reports on the impact of quota abolition on milk production in the EU. Most recently, the European Commission has analysed the market situation for milk and milk products post 2015, in a report published last December on the prospects for a 'soft landing', following the abolition of milk quotas. This report predicts that EU milk production over the period to 2020...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: Following contact by an official of my Department it was confirmed that the issue relates to the application of the second person named. An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received on 31 March 2010. During validation of the application an over-claim was identified on one of the parcels declared. This error was raised with the person named and a reply was received to state...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: Three applications were received requesting the transfer of Single Payment entitlements from the person named to other farmers, two by way of sale and one by way of lease for one year. As my Department was not satisfied that the two applications relating to the sale of entitlements were received prior to the closing date of 17 May 2010, these applications were rejected on 13 October 2010....

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Payments will commence at the earliest possible date once these checks have been completed.

Written Answers — Special Areas of Conservation: Special Areas of Conservation (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: The Marine Institute has undertaken the collection of baseline data in order to allow the National Parks and Wildlife Service set conservation objectives for the site in question, and thereafter to allow the Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food to reach a determination on permitting/licensing of relevance to the site. The data in question can be made publicly available by the Marine...

Written Answers — Special Areas of Conservation: Special Areas of Conservation (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: The Marine Institute has undertaken the collection of baseline data in order to allow the National Parks and Wildlife Service to set conservation objectives for the site in question, and thereafter to allow the Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food to reach a determination on permitting/licensing of relevance to the site. The data in question can be made publicly available by the Marine...

Written Answers — Foreshore and Aquaculture Licences: Foreshore and Aquaculture Licences (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: The current delay in the processing of new and renewal licence applications largely arises because the majority of areas for which the licences are sought are designated Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and/or Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites). In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas the Department...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (13 Apr 2011)

Simon Coveney: The person named commenced REPS 4 in April 2008. He received his year 1 payment in April 2009 and his year 2 payment in December 2009. During the SPS check some discrepancies relating to area were highlighted and an adjusted plan was requested. This adjusted plan has now been received and indicates a smaller area than that declared. The necessary clawback of payment is being calculated and...