Results 21-40 of 18,437 for speaker:Brendan Smith

Food Industry. (2 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: There are some projects calling for assistance that have lower-scale costs, and that is among the issues being addressed in the Department.

Food Industry. (2 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: The Deputy will be aware that a mushroom task force met some years ago. It reported last year, and departmental officials and I have met it and stakeholders in the industry. They have been under particular pressures regarding products coming from eastern Europe, particularly to the British market, to which we predominantly exported. Those issues are being addressed, and very substantial...

Food Industry. (2 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: It is not.

Food Industry. (2 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: On the last occasion the Deputy tabled questions, I believe that he was due to visit Ranelagh on the following Sunday, so I hope he had a good afternoon there.

Food Industry. (2 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: Good for him that he can get away from his constituency on a Sunday; most of us do not get that opportunity. We might get to a football match within the county, or outside if our team is playing away from home. The Deputy may have read that recently there was a seminar or conference in Cork regarding farmers' markets.

Food Industry. (2 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: Good. Judging by the reports that I have had from Bord Bia and departmental officials, it was a very successful conference. Local authorities are facilitating the development of farmers' markets throughout the country, and the Office of Public Works, following correspondence between the Minister of State and me, is also anxious to facilitate such development where feasible. Bord Bia, working...

Food Industry. (2 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: It is a matter for the local authorities to implement planning regulations on the ground. As the Deputy knows, it need not go the Customs House.

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: I wish to share my time with Deputies Moloney and Ellis.

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: Following on from last night's debate on this Private Member's Bill I reiterate the position my colleague Deputy Browne outlined in this House yesterday that the Government is opposed at this time to the introduction of a ban on fur farming. The Minister of State, Deputy Browne, has clearly made the case that fur farming is a legitimate farming activity here and throughout the vast majority...

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: I am talking of Sweden. There was some misapprehension last night. There was an indication that Sweden was not in the same position as this country.

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: Officials in the Department took the opportunity today to check the matter with the Swedish authorities and the position as outlined was confirmed. We have here a specific requirement under the Musk Rats Act, 1933, and the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink Order) 1965. Under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink Order) 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence...

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: Environmental problems arising from wild mink come within the remit of the national park and wildlife services. My Department places the utmost priority on animal health and welfare not alone in relation to animals farmed for their fur but across the entire spectrum. Fur farmers also have a vested interest in keeping their animals healthy and content and I disagree with some suggestions in...

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: It is not incorrect.

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: The sheds provide normal temperature and light conditions while protecting against direct sunlight, wind and rain. Wire cages are placed in rows in the sheds. The cages are raised off the ground to ensure good hygiene. In mink farming, year-round nest boxes bedded with straw or wood shavings are located adjacent to each holding cage.

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: The nest boxes are provided for breeding purposes and to ensure that farmed mink can sleep and rest in comfortable conditions. Research has shown that the provision of a nesting box, which is now standard in mink production, is of great importance to the welfare of farmed mink. Mink kits remain in the same cage as their mothers until weaned at the age of seven to eight weeks. After that the...

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: Fur farming is a long established industry and in its present structure has existed in Ireland for nearly 40 years. Deputy Cuffe commented, as did Deputy Ferris, that the legislation governing this area is 70 years old. While the Musk Rats Act dates from 1933, the application of that Act to mink, on which the licensing system is based, is in place since 1965. Other important legislation...

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: Deputy Boyle had his opportunity to contribute last night. I want to make my contribution. There should be such democracy in this House that people are allowed to make their contribution.

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: I do not think Deputy Boyle has control of the House to decide who will speak. Deputy Ferris and others referred to mink escaping from farms and causing considerable damage to the environment. The situation in mink farming establishments is significantly different than it was in the past. The current operations are modern, largely escape-proof units which developed following the introduction...

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: Farm incomes are not declining.

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (23 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: The Green Party has been attacking the farmers. That has been its contribution.