Results 5,001-5,020 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Pigmeat Sector (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Yes.

Pigmeat Sector (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: I am not that young.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The budgeted expenditure under the 2012 Scheme will be reduced from €220 million to €190 million and, in order to achieve the €30 million saving in expenditure, it is proposed to introduce specified changes to the Scheme eligibility criteria for 2012. This will be achieved by making technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers, whose...

Written Answers — ElectronElectronic Taggingic Tagging: ElectronElectronic Taggingic Tagging (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: As part of the revision to the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS) consequent, on the introduction of electronic identification of sheep in 2010, across the E.U, my Department has already introduced a new system for sheep tagging. Before introducing this new system my Department consulted widely with the industry. The purpose of these discussions was, within the regulation, to...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: I wish to advise the House that no decision has been taken by the Government in relation to the potential sale of Coillte. As I have advised the House on a number of occasions, I consider that it is essential to maximise the information available to the Government in order to make an informed decision which will not compromise the State's core asset, which is the land Coillte manages on...

Written Answers — Common Agricultural Policy: Common Agricultural Policy (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Since I took up office in March of last year, I have made it a priority to build up alliances with my counterparts in like-minded Member States in order to garner support for my position on the proposed reform of the CAP. Last year I had formal bilateral meetings with the EU Agriculture Commissioner and with my German, French, UK, Spanish, Estonian, Finnish and Danish Ministerial colleagues....

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The Programme for Government committed to replacing the criminal sanctions system for minor fisheries offences with administrative sanction system to bring Ireland into line with other European jurisdictions. I sought the advice of the Attorney General on the matter. The Attorney General has responded with a detailed advice on the issue which I am currently examining. The advice highlights...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Article 6 of Council Regulation No. 1224/2009, establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy, provides that a fishing vessel may only be used for commercial fishing if it has a valid fishing licence. This EU legal requirement is reflected in our national fishing boat licensing system and I have no discretion in the matter. The...

Written Answers — Milk Quota: Milk Quota (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Market forces have a major influence on the price paid to farmers for milk, as world market prices for dairy products determine the returns received by dairy processors which are reflected in the price paid to farmers. While 2011 was a very successful year for the dairy industry, with an average milk price paid to farmers of 34 cent per litre, the milk price paid to dairy suppliers is...

Written Answers — Harbours and Piers: Harbours and Piers (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres, which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department. I am aware of the difficulties that the build up of mud and silt at Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre causes for the various vessels using the harbour. Dredging costs are always significant and my Department did commission a feasibility study...

Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The Irish beef industry has had remarkable success in the last decade in transforming its focus from commodity markets to high value EU markets. In fact some 96% of Irish beef exports go to EU markets. In 2011, beef exports were worth around €1.8 billion to the economy and it is estimated that 96% of total Irish beef exports in volume terms were within the EU where they were destined for...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: This is an operational matter for Teagasc. Under the Agriculture, (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988 Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the delivery of education, advisory and research services to the agriculture sector. Teagasc develops its programmes, services and activities in conjunction with its clients and partners overseen by an Authority that is representative of the main...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: My statutory role in relation to the allocation of fishing quotas is contained in Sections of 12 and 13 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 which requires me to act for the for the proper and effective management and conservation and rational exploitation of the State fishing quotas and opportunities. I consider that the industry itself is best placed to advise me on...

Written Answers — Disadvantaged Areas Scheme: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: It is widely recognised that the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is a very important one for this country, as the total area designated as disadvantaged is almost 75% of Ireland's total land area. From an economic perspective, the Scheme is particularly significant, contributing to the support of in excess of 100,000 Irish farm families, whose ability to farm is restricted by the physical...

Written Answers — Pigmeat Sector: Pigmeat Sector (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Given that EU marketing standards legislation does not include pigmeat it is not possible to classify pigmeat production as being free-range or organic in the same way as poultry and egg production are categorised. Furthermore, as free-range pig production is not defined in legislation there are no objective criteria by which my Department can accurately measure the numbers involved. The...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Mussel farming is regulated in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997. Key features of the process are examination of each application by key scientific and technical advisors to my Department, Environmental Impact Assessment pre-screening, written consultation with statutory and non-statutory consultees and a period of general public consultation. In...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: In addition to the range of measures already available number of new measures are being implemented to assist younger farmers as part of a budget 2012. These include 1. A new stock relief incentive to encourage farm partnerships. An enhanced 50% stock relief will be available for all registered farm partnerships, and a 100% stock relief will be available for certain young trained...

Written Answers — Forestry Sector: Forestry Sector (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the recreational importance of Donadea Forest Park and the work which has been undertaken there over the last number of years such as the upgrading of the facilities, the development of Walks and the erection of the 9/11 Memorial. I wish to reiterate that no decision has been taken by the Government in relation to the potential sale of all or part of Coillte. The consideration...

Written Answers — Disadvantaged Areas Scheme: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 31 together. It is widely recognised that the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is a very important one for this country, as the total area designated as disadvantaged is almost 75% of Ireland's total land area. From an economic perspective, the Scheme is particularly significant, contributing to the support of in excess of 100,000 Irish farm families, whose...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (9 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The price of fuel and other input costs for farmers have risen in recent times. However, feed prices are likely to fall during 2012. Fuel prices are dependent on many factors, including exchange rates and international crises outside of Ireland's control. A double income tax deduction in respect of the increased cost from the change in carbon tax means that the effective difference in the...