Results 3,061-3,080 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney
- Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, I have no function with regard to the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) or the usage of its assets. These come under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Finance. The Acquisition of Land(Allotments) Act 1926, which is under the remit of the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, enables local authorities to let...
- Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: I met Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn on 3 May and discussed a number of current issues including research and development in the food area. During the meeting I emphasised the importance of the agri-food sector for the economic well being of the country. Research and development will be critical in driving the industry. Food is and will always remain the single most important output from land...
- Written Answers — Milk Quota: Milk Quota (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: As I mentioned earlier in my response to a similar question, my officials and I have raised the quota issue with the Commission on a number of occasions in recent months. Indeed, I used the opportunity provided by my attendance at the Council of Agriculture Ministers in March to ask the Commission to consider whether a more flexible approach might be adopted for the limited number of Member...
- Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 85 together. As mentioned in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 42 today [12599/11], 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 and its ability to garner foreign export earnings....
- Written Answers — Pigmeat Sector: Pigmeat Sector (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 72 together. The pig industry is a valuable component of the overall agri-food sector, and has a farm gate value in excess of â¬300 million. The sector supports approximately 7,000 jobs including production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services and these are dispersed around the country. Production, prices and exports grew...
- Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 56, 64 and 77 together. As I have stated previously, I am very concerned about the EU-Mercosur negotiations. I raised this issue at both the March and April meetings of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers and expressed my reservations about these negotiations, particularly regarding the impact a deal with Mercosur might have on the Irish and EU beef...
- Written Answers — Aquaculture Sector: Aquaculture Sector (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: I am strongly committed to the further development of the Aquaculture Sector which I believe has great potential in terms of its contribution to the economy and to coastal and rural development. My plans for the aquaculture industry are set out in Food Harvest 2020 â A vision for Irish Agri-food and fisheries, The Rising Tide â A Review of the Bottom Grown Mussel Sector in Ireland and in...
- Written Answers — Common Agricultural Policy: Common Agricultural Policy (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: Since I was appointed Minister on 9 March last, I have had bilateral meetings with my French, Spanish and Danish Ministerial colleagues. I have also had the opportunity to interact with my Ministerial colleagues from the 26 other Member States and the EU Commission at the three EU Council of Agriculture Ministers meetings held in Brussels and Luxemburg since I assumed office. The meeting...
- Written Answers — Common Agricultural Policy: Common Agricultural Policy (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: An initial consultation process was launched with stakeholders by my Department in July 2009 to obtain views on what EU agriculture policies would serve Ireland and the EU best in the years to come. The responses received are helping to inform our position in the very important negotiations on the future of the CAP after 2013. In 2010, a Consultative Committee on the CAP after 2013 was set...
- Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: The increase of 11% in agri-food exports in 2010 evidenced the central role the sector can play in this country's economic regeneration and it is our aim that this growth be continued in the coming years. Indeed, the Food Harvest 2020 report sets an export target of â¬12 billion for the sector by 2020, a 42% increase on the average export figures in the years 2007-2009. Bord Bia, in its...
- Written Answers — Illegal Burning: Illegal Burning (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: The burning of vegetation, including gorse and scrub, growing on land not then cultivated is prohibited between 1 March and 31 August each year under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000. Arising from the large increase in the number of wildfires which occurred during 2010, the Land and Forest Fires Working Group was established last year. The Group highlighted, inter alia, the need to change...
- Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 73 and 74 together. The implementation of Food Harvest 2020 is a key commitment of the Programme for Government. I am personally focused on progressing the wide range of state actions needed to drive implementation of this strategic document which includes the following targets to be achieved by 2020: Increase milk production by 50%. Improve the...
- Written Answers — State Visits: State Visits (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: The fact that Queen Elizabeth chose to include the Irish National Stud in her very busy itinerary on this her first visit to this country brought the focus of the international media to the Irish horse breeding industry, an indigenous industry and one in which we excel on the world stage. I was delighted to be present myself to welcome Her Majesty to the Stud. Her Majesty's visit was an...
- Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: The Programme for Government committed to replacing the criminal sanctions system for minor fisheries offences with administrative sanction system to bring Ireland into line with other European jurisdictions. I sought the advice of the Attorney General on the matter. The Attorney General has responded with a detailed advice on the issue which I am currently examining. The advice highlights...
- Written Answers — Food Security: Food Security (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: The issue of food security and supply in the EU is at the forefront of the current EU agriculture policy. A Commission communication setting out broad policy options for the future CAP "The CAP towards 2020" was presented on 18 November 2010. Following discussion on this communication at the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers, a majority of Member States lent their support at the March...
- Written Answers — Fishing Industry Development: Fishing Industry Development (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: Food Harvest 2020 identifies the many challenges and opportunities facing the seafood sector in Ireland if it is to achieve its enormous potential. I intend to focus very much on those issues that will assist the seafood sector in contributing to national economic recovery and boosting employment. My main priorities include attracting more landings by foreign vessels to Irish fishing ports...
- Written Answers — Common Agricultural Policy: Common Agricultural Policy (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: A Commission communication setting out broad policy options for the future CAP "The CAP towards 2020" was presented on 18 November 2010. Following discussion on this communication at the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers, a majority of Member States lent their support at the March Council to a series of conclusions drafted by the Hungarian Presidency. The Commission communication was the...
- Written Answers — Milk Quota: Milk Quota (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: Estimated butterfat-adjusted deliveries for the 2010/2011 milk quota year, as published by my Department in mid-April, were 0.43% under quota. These are estimated figures, and a definitive outcome will not be available until August. However, it is hoped that this will confirm that the country has, fortunately, avoided a super levy. All milk producers should consider this a timely reminder...
- Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: Promoting the marketing of Irish food, seafood, drink and horticulture is the responsibility of Bord Bia. In its market research, development and promotion activities Bord Bia works closely with producers, industry and existing and potential customers throughout the world to communicate the quality, sustainable production systems operating in Ireland and to identify and promote market...
- Written Answers — Common Agricultural Policy: Common Agricultural Policy (25 May 2011)
Simon Coveney: A Commission communication setting out broad policy options for the future CAP "The CAP towards 2020" was presented on 18 November 2010. Following discussion on this communication at the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers, a majority of Member States lent their support at the March Council to a series of conclusions drafted by the Hungarian Presidency. The Commission communication was the...