Results 421-440 of 2,725 for speaker:Noel Coonan

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: It is close to the Senator's heart.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: Is the Senator suggesting Members are not serious?

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: I support the call for a debate on the issues raised by the incident referred to by Senator Brian Hayes. Such incidents are not confined to the capital but, unfortunately, take place in rural Ireland. We can never underestimate the profound impact such an incident has on the victim and his or her family. The issue deserves both debate and serious action. During the week, Food and Drink...

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: I welcome the Minister to the House and welcome the opportunity to debate the farm partnership package. While I welcome elements of the package, my complaint is that it does not go far enough. The package reminds me of the "Off the Rails" programme. If the programme makers picked out a fellow like me on Grafton Street, dolled me up, gave me a makeover and then put me out in weather...

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: The farm package is well produced, polished and presented and will run over a lifetime of seven years. However, when one divides the package among the many thousands of farmers who are hoping to survive as a result of it, the Minister will be seen to be talking in small monetary terms. I agree with the Minister that farming and food have a vital role to play, not only economically but also...

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: That is what I read.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: If that does not ring alarm bells among those in the sheep sector——

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: Unfortunately, many farmers are left without choices.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: They do not have a choice anymore. Over the years, the Government has missed out on a glorious opportunity in terms of bio-fuels. We could have been leaders in the field, but we are playing catch-up. Imagine an incentive of €18 per acre for the production of bio-fuels.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: That is per hectare, which works out at approximately €18 per acre. While the beet industry was being decimated in recent years, we had an opportunity to promote the production of bio-fuels and to help tillage farmers, but the Government dithered and has displayed a lack of confidence in the system. Many elements in the package are welcome, but it needs fine tuning and a more positive...

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: On a point of information, I did mention the 2005 farm incomes.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: Does Senator Mansergh disagree with the 2004 figures? His party was in power in both years.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: Do not misquote members of the Labour Party.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: She does not say that. The Senator should not indulge in scaremongering.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: Do not worry about our partners. The Senator should worry about his own if he can find any.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: That is 17% of what? The base is too low.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: It does not matter where he was, he delivered. The Government has failed to deliver on REPS and the farmers can testify to that.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: They will go the way of the beet farmer and are next for the chop — not a lamb chop.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: The Minister should direct her remarks to the assistant director of Teagasc and read a report on the matter in The Irish Times today.

Seanad: Partnership Agreement with the Farming Pillar: Statements (16 Nov 2006)

Noel Coonan: What did Fianna Fáil do with the beet farmers?