Results 4,081-4,100 of 4,571 for speaker:Trevor Sargent

Food Industry. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: Within the horticulture sector, there has already been significant capital investment in new glass technology and more efficient growing tunnels. Grant aid has been provided by my Department for investments to maximise energy-efficient production. Investment in more efficient technologies will continue to be a priority as energy costs continue to exert pressure on margins. Under the new...

Food Industry. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: I would like to give the Deputy a wide-ranging answer as if I were the Green Party leader and allowed talk about every Department. However, I am Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and must therefore confine my remarks to matters for which that Department is responsible. Notwithstanding this, I take on board the Deputy's suggestion to consider how Teagasc...

Food Industry. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: Support for the development of farmers' markets is included under the village renewal and development measure in Axis 3 of Rural Development Programme, Ireland, 2007-2013, which programme is operated by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív. The aim of this measure is to provide appropriate small-scale infrastructure to enhance the economic and social...

Food Industry. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: I would love to put my hand in my pocket and give money directly but state aid rules must be taken into account and we must be cognisant of this reality. That said, I am conscious of the need to co-operate with, for example, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which has overall responsibility for local government. I am promoting the remit of local government in...

Food Industry. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: In January, I will organise a forum with city and county managers where we can harmonise and bring some consistency to the way in which farmers' markets are organised throughout the country. That is all part of the help which is both practical and legal for me to give. I will look at other areas, for example, indirect payments such as the organic farming grants, which, again, are of major...

EU Legislation. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: In the context of the thematic strategy on the sustainable use of pesticides, the Commission has proposed legislation on the marketing and use of plant protection products. These proposals include a number of initiatives aimed at reducing the risks to the environment and human health associated with use of plant protection products. This proposed legislation is subject to the co-decision...

EU Legislation. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: Where is that coming from? It is GM propaganda.

EU Legislation. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: I am aware of those concerns because I speak to farmers, as does Deputy Coveney. Sometimes it is not the fault of farmers that they are given incorrect information. The GM lobby is strong in Brussels and I understand that Deputy Coveney hears them regularly communicating the message that GM crops are a way of not using chemicals. The opposite is the case, as held by objective studies. I...

EU Legislation. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: Absolutely, but it is more complex than referring to levels of use. The directive does not refer to levels of use but of reduced risk. This is far more important to bear in mind and will not be implemented without consultation with farmers. I assure the Deputy of that.

EU Legislation. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: Time does not allow me to go into the full range because it is quite extensive.

EU Legislation. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: I look forward to an opportunity to discuss it without the time constraints of Dáil Éireann.

EU Legislation. (6 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: We can provide the list.

Young People: Motion (Resumed) (21 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: I will tell the Deputy later.

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (22 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: Cork city.

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: On Tuesday night I returned from the 34th international conference of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO. I am aware of the issues raised in the FAO's food outlook November 2007. The FAO forecasts high international prices for all major foods and feedstuff this year. Of particular note are the conditions on world cereal markets. Supplies are much tighter than they have been for...

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: Time constraints only permitted me to provide part of the reply. However, the Deputy will have noted my reference to the zero rate for set-aside. It was difficult to justify how land could be set aside when there are shortfalls in grain production. In many ways it is bizarre that grain production rates fell between 2002 and 2006, while there was an increase in total value. I hope that...

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: I referred to the EU figure of 10 million tonnes in respect of set-aside.

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: My Department, my ministerial colleagues and I will be doing everything possible to encourage more people to increase their tillage and cereal production rates. There is also a need to think laterally in respect of this matter. A considerable amount of cereal produced is required for both human and animal consumption. The development of animal breeds that are able to thrive on a diet which...

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: The Leas-Cheann Comhairle will be interested to hear that I will be in Wexford tomorrow to visit an abattoir with the owner and staff. The regulation of local abattoirs is the responsibility of local authorities, who report to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on this matter. Under new EU regulations, collectively known as the hygiene package and which came into operation on 1 January...

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Trevor Sargent: I am conscious of that.