Results 4,141-4,160 of 4,571 for speaker:Trevor Sargent

Potato Sector. (21 Feb 2008)

Trevor Sargent: I can give the Deputy the figures but it would take too long. I refer to €2.65 million granted to 80 applicants under the national development programme. I appreciate that Deputy Sherlock is focusing on the fact that smaller growers — it is also, unfortunately, the case with regard to some larger growers — are also finding it difficult to trade. The reason is that the return for the...

Sheep Sector. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: That is a separate question.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: The arrangements for REPS 4 are derived from a new regulation, which reflects the European Commission's objective of integrating and harmonising the operation of the various farm payment schemes, including the single payment scheme, REPS and the disadvantaged areas scheme. For REPS 4, this means that applications to join the scheme must be submitted by 15 May each year. Payments will relate...

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: The Deputy is absolutely correct. It is extremely important that there should be a maximum take-up of REPS 4. I feel particularly strongly about this in light of how closely it is linked to the development of the organic sector. There are many factors involved and I share the Deputy's enthusiasm for them. What we have arrived at, as a result of banging together a number of heads, is a...

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: The Deputy will be able to reply to my comments in a moment.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: I was enjoying the exchange. However, I will continue with my reply.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: I am trying to answer the Deputy.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: I will strive manfully to answer the question, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I appreciate that 15 May is a limitation, but the farm plans can follow on from that. We are minimising the expectation of compliance by 15 May. Teagasc resources for this purpose have been increased to ensure——

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: I am sure people will get help from wherever they can, but Teagasc is there for everybody.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: I want to make sure it is clear to the Deputy that Teagasc is getting additional resources to help in every way. We cannot move back the date of 15 May but we can do everything possible to help people comply.

Fertiliser Costs. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: Changes in fertiliser costs, in common with all elements of intermediate consumption for farmers, are principally a function of market forces, in this instance primarily at international level. The main reason for the sharp increase in fertiliser prices this year is the fact that world demand far outstrips supply. Increased world demand is such that fertiliser plants do not have the...

Fertiliser Costs. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: There is more but I cannot read it all now.

Fertiliser Costs. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: The Leas-Cheann Comhairle normally states that the balance of the reply will appear in the Official Report.

Fertiliser Costs. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: That is what I was waiting to hear.

Fertiliser Costs. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Fertiliser Costs. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: I have asked that question myself and the answer I have been given by people who are in the business of studying these matters scientifically is that the application of slurry outside the allowed times would not be beneficial in that it would be going onto ground which essentially is not for growing and would not improve the growth of crops. There is a need to examine the science behind it...

Fertiliser Costs. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: This question will require a far broader view than simply asking what Ireland can do. Ireland still had to import gas and fossil fuels to operate IFI, so there was no great merit in simply locking ourselves into that dependency. We need to look at global food production, which will require further evaluation of other methods. I am currently reading a lot of material on climate change,...

Fertiliser Costs. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: I am quite happy to talk about traditional agriculture but organic agriculture as it is now practised takes on board traditional agriculture with the research that is being carried out for the efficient use of resources. The use of seaweed in my constituency of Dublin North is the bedrock of the horticultural industry there, so to that extent I am very familiar with the potential of maritime...

Fertiliser Costs. (8 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: I am not going to make any puns about the greens. As regards Deputy Sherlock's point, there are standards for imported fertilisers. The manufacturers are required to indicate on the bag the actual components. If the Deputy has any evidence of sharp practice or shortcuts in this regard, he should bring it to my attention. I am sure Teagasc would be keen to hear more about that.

World Trade Organisation Negotiations: Motion (17 Apr 2008)

Trevor Sargent: That is a ridiculous question.