Results 4,501-4,520 of 4,571 for speaker:Trevor Sargent

Grant Payments. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: My Department has contributed significantly to the support of the horticulture industry through its grant aid scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector under the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The scheme assists capital investment on farms to promote the specialisation and diversification of on-farm activities, improve the quality of products,...

Grant Payments. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: It includes the whole country.

Grant Payments. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for his reminder. Producers concentrate for the most part on supplying the home market. The EU prohibits supports which are targeted at import substitution. It should also be noted that two sectors of Irish horticulture, in particular, are important sources of foreign revenue. The vast bulk of mushroom production is exported to the UK and almost all...

Grant Payments. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: The Government has held discussions with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the introduction of a code of practice, an issue we discussed in the House on previous occasions. Progress is being made in this regard. Following a period of consultation, the Tánaiste has indicated that she will introduce a voluntary code which will be followed by a statutory code. We all hope...

Grant Payments. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: While I appreciate that much of the media coverage has focused on the potato crop, I am aware that growers of other crops, including carrot producers, have also been affected. As Deputy Creed noted, the Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, met a delegation from the Irish Farmers' Association, while I have met individual growers. Both of us are giving serious consideration to the submissions...

Grant Payments. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: I concur with Deputy Sherlock that there is no point in introducing an unenforceable code. The Tánaiste has assured us that while the submissions under consideration will initially result in a voluntary code, it will be placed on a statutory footing. We are moving as quickly as possible towards the position the Deputy advocates. We all wish progress could be made more quickly. The...

Grant Payments. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: Potatoes have been included in the grants provided in the past. Under the most recent round of funding, considerable investment was made in storage facilities. This has enabled us to ensure we can maintain an Irish element to potato retail for longer than was previously the case. The grant schemes are highly competitive. Applicants must have a business plan for at least two years, must...

Biotechnological Inventions. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: I am aware of the potential to use miscanthus to generate heat and power in the bioenergy sector. The Department has been grant aiding farmers to plant miscanthus since 2007 under the bioenergy scheme. The scheme was launched on a pilot basis to provide farmers with an establishment grant to cover 50% of the costs of establishment up to a maximum payment of €1,450 per hectare. Eligible...

Biotechnological Inventions. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: I will put the Deputy's suggestion regarding an increased start-up grant to the officials in my Department. As he stated, when it comes to pellets, briquettes, whole-bale boilers, co-firing, and so on, the potential of miscanthus is significant. As with any new activity, however, a certain amount of lead-in time is required. The methods relating to growing miscanthus are not unlike those...

Biotechnological Inventions. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: We are getting great value in the House today, particularly when one considers that I am replying to questions that are proper to the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Biotechnological Inventions. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: I will certainly pass on to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the Deputy's comments regarding the cost of feeding energy into the national grid. The review to which I referred will take on board the experience of farmers and the difficulties they face to date.

Biotechnological Inventions. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: I have no doubt that, notwithstanding the implications in respect of energy and other matters, responsibility for miscanthus comes within the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I accept that it is a quick earner for farmers. However, the market relating to it must still be developed. A product development project - in the context of mixing wood and miscanthus on a...

Biotechnological Inventions. (27 Jan 2010)

Trevor Sargent: A significant level of urgency has been afforded to this matter and a considerable amount of money has already been invested. Between 2005 and 2007, €6 million was spent, under the research stimulus fund programme, on 13 projects. There has been a great deal of investment in Oak Park and other centres. This matter is being treated with urgency. The review to which I referred earlier...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Trevor Sargent: Ar dtús báire ba mhaith liom mo leithscéal a ghabháil nach bhfuil an tAire, Deputy Gormley, ar fáil ar an bpointe seo. Bhí air imeacht go práinneach, ach d'iarr sé orm labhairt ar a shon. I thank Senators for their positive contributions to the Second Stage debate. I thank them for their general support for the Bill and assure them that the Minister, Deputy Gormley, is mindful of...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Trevor Sargent: I assure Senators that the Minister and his Department will continue to liaise with all interested parties to ensure the optimal outcome is achieved, namely, a Bill which is efficient in terms of its implementation and effective in that it places the welfare of dogs at its centre-----

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Trevor Sargent: That is not a point of order, is it?

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Trevor Sargent: There have been many submissions and I am not here to have a discussion with the Senator. However, I can talk to him afterwards if he wants me to bring something to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Gormley. The Minister and his Department will continue to liaise with all interested parties to ensure the optimal outcome is achieved, namely, a Bill which is efficient in terms of its...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Trevor Sargent: I reiterate that the HAI-----

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Trevor Sargent: -----and its affiliate bodies have stated publicly and privately to me that dogs bred and in their care for hunt packs are accommodated to the highest voluntary standards available. It is therefore his contention that this Bill will not place an undue burden on any such hunt club. I do not agree that this Bill is any type of assault on the culture and pastimes of rural Ireland which Senator...

Rural Environment Protection Scheme (9 Feb 2010)

Trevor Sargent: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Deenihan as an cheist thábhachtach seo a ardú, ceist a thuigeann sé go maith é féin mar iar-Aire Stáit sa Roinn Talmhaíochta.