Results 4,461-4,480 of 4,571 for speaker:Trevor Sargent

Farming and Agri-Food Sector: Statements (25 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: There are sheep farmers in north Dublin as well.

Farming and Agri-Food Sector: Statements (25 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: The Deputy must be very rich if he thinks what has been spent is nothing.

Farming and Agri-Food Sector: Statements (25 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: I thank all those who contributed to this debate, although I share with Opposition Deputies the wish that we had more time. My colleague, Deputy Mary Alexandra White, is one of many Deputies from both sides of the House who is disappointed at being unable contribute. We all agree this has been a difficult year for farming families and farm incomes. It is cold comfort to the many farmers...

Food Safety. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: My Department had analyses conducted at the Irish Equine Centre on ten batches of imported poultry this year. This was specifically in the context of the gas flushing of poultry meat. The results of these analyses are presently being assessed. Further, more detailed, information has been sought from the testing laboratory in order to provide a fuller picture of the microbiological status of...

Food Safety. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: I share the annoyance of Deputy Doyle in that I had hoped these tests would have been carried out more quickly. However, I am not a microbiologist and I do not know if the Deputy is one. We are taking the best advice available to us from the Irish Equine Centre. It has been contracted by the Department because it has the capability to carry out the tests to a standard that would give us...

Food Safety. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: What the Deputy has said is so significant that I suggest he table a separate question on it. In the meantime, I will examine the matter. The Deputy has asked a question that warrants a specific separate answer. It is a question that needs a comprehensive answer but I cannot give him such an answer now.

Food Safety. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: I do not have that information, but I hope they will be. The issue warrants being made public information.

Food Safety. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: I agree with the Deputy on that, but I have to take advice on that based on laboratory findings and the legislation in place. I expect that in terms of public health, it is a matter of public interest and people should have the information. I look forward to considering the information as soon as possible.

Organic Farming. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: The decision of whether to convert from conventional to organic dairy farming is a matter of decision for each dairy farmer, based on their circumstances and preferences. While there had been an increased interest in organic production early in this decade, the exceptionally high prices for conventional manufacturing milk in 2007 and early 2008 probably dampened this interest. Other reasons...

Organic Farming. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: I thank the Deputy for her question and her ongoing interest. The cost of conventional milk production is affected by the cost of inputs and the return, which has been rather disappointing in the recent past. I take this opportunity to urge farmers to consider the overall picture in terms of the cost of inputs and the return. They may be surprised to learn the return on the organic option...

Organic Farming. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: There may be a misunderstanding on the part of the Deputy. The price referred to is the price received by the farmer from the creamery. At present there are two creameries-----

Organic Farming. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: No. Obviously, the price is higher than the conventional price in the shops, but not much higher in my experience. However, the Deputy will agree it is a good return for the farmer to receive 45 cent per litre. It may be difficult to rationalise why more people do not choose the organic option, given the 45 cent price.

Organic Farming. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: I do not want the Deputy throwing cold water on the option and it does not help anyone to rationalise the reasons in that way. Some farmers may be familiar with existing arrangements with their co-operatives. Only two dairies operate under the organic system, one of which is a good deal larger than the other. There are hopes for another operation closer to the Border. Ironically, this...

Organic Farming. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: From where did the Deputy get that idea?

Organic Farming. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: I am surprised the Deputy is ignoring the people of Arklow when he refers to flooding.

Organic Farming. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: The Deputy may be referring to the fact that it might be better to grow organic food here rather than importing it from far away locations. The no-till method is quite in keeping with organic methods. If the Deputy is serious about the incomes and welfare of farmers, he should consider what the market wants. The fact that we are obliged to import 70% of the organic produce sold in this...

Organic Farming. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: Organic farming has continually proven to be extremely efficient in respect of its carbon footprint. This is because it is based on working with nature, minimising inputs and taking advantage of the natural benefits that exist.

Organic Farming. (26 Nov 2009)

Trevor Sargent: That company cannot get everything right.

Written Answers — Food Labelling: Food Labelling (1 Dec 2009)

Trevor Sargent: Responsibility for the enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and its official agents, which include the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Local Authorities. 44,000 HSE inspections are planned for 2009. Inspection and food surveillance reports are submitted to the FSAI every six...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (2 Dec 2009)

Trevor Sargent: Fine Gael was one of the worst.