Results 5,141-5,160 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Horticultural Industry: Horticultural Industry (22 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: In the face of ever-greater concentration of demand, the grouping of supply through producer organisations (POs) is a core part of the EU strategy for strengthening the position of producers in the market and was one of the main recommendations for the horticultural industry in the Harvest 2020 Report. The POs play a role in supporting Irish producers of fruit and vegetables. Whilst my...

Written Answers — Milk Quota: Milk Quota (22 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Over the past year, I and my Department have been extremely active in raising the question of an adjustment to the milk quota regime at every appropriate opportunity. We have made determined efforts to secure a soft landing for all Member States in the lead-up to milk quota abolition in 2015, as envisaged in the 2008 CAP Health Check agreement. I have discussed the matter extensively with...

Written Answers — Milk Quota: Milk Quota (22 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 221 together. The European Communities Milk Quota Regulations 2008, established a statutory basis for registering milk production partnerships in the context of the administration of the milk quota regime. The register is administered by Teagasc, and I understand that 589 such partnerships are currently registered with Teagasc. Against the background...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (22 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is an independent statutory body and the main provider of vocational training to the seafood industry. I am requesting a report from the BIM Chairperson on the issues raised by the Deputy.

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (23 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The following table detailing requests received under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts in 2011 sets out the information requested for my Department. Total FOI Requests 2011 No. for which a Search and Retrieval Fee was Sought Maximum Search and Retrieval Fee No. of FOI Search and Retrieval Cases which did not proceed 243 8 €301.34 Nil

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (23 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and will take some time to collate. Available information will be provided as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (23 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2009 and received payments for the first two years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Following the administrative check an area discrepancy was...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (23 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: An application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2011. This application was selected for a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance Inspection. During the course of this inspection discrepancies were recorded in relation to a number of parcels. These discrepancies resulted in a claimed area of 33.15ha being reduced to a found...

Seanad: Teagasc Advisory Offices (23 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Senator for raising the issue of the Teagasc office in Manorhamilton. I note his request that a commitment be given that the office remains open. In case the impression is created that this is a decision for the Minister, let me make the position clear. Decisions relating to the future of Teagasc local offices are operational matters for the Teagasc authority to consider....

Written Answers — Fur Farming: Fur Farming (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: A report published by my Department in 2009 estimated the population of wild mink in the State could reach a total of between 20,500 and 33,500 individuals, and identified ground-nesting birds as the species most vulnerable to mink predation. Accordingly, my Department is concentrating its resources on protecting the nesting sites of rare and threatened bird species, including red-throated...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Operational matters such as this are properly the responsibility of the Teagasc Authority and not the Minister. I am advised by Teagasc that they continue to provide services from their local office on the Kells Road, Navan and that the vacant site in question belongs to the Office of Public Works. The future use of this site is a matter for the Office of Public Works.

Written Answers — Metrology Service: Metrology Service (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The Legal Metrology Service of the National Standards Authority of Ireland, established under the Metrology Act of 1996, has statutory responsibility for the verification of weighing equipment in abattoirs. However, officials of my Department carry out checks of weighing equipment in beef abattoirs during routine control inspections concerning beef carcase classification. These checks include...

Written Answers — Fur Farming: Fur Farming (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The Review Group set up in my Department to review the issue of fur farming along specific terms of reference will conclude its report shortly. The Terms of Reference of the Group are as follows: 1. To review fur farming in Ireland taking into account existing legislative provisions for the licensing of mink farming 2. To comment on the economic benefits of the sector 3. To consider the...

Written Answers — Agricultural Exports: Agricultural Exports (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: China is a key strategic market for Irish exports of food seafood and beverages and presents significant opportunities for other exports. Exports of Irish food and beverages to China are estimated in 2011 at €215m, including exports of hides and skins. Since taking office as Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, I have sought to foster close relationships with my Ministerial...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 581 and 584 together. This is an operational matter for the Teagasc Authority. Teagasc is currently implementing a major 'Change Programme' to rationalise resources and has decided to concentrate the delivery of its services at fewer centres. The existing network of advisory offices is being streamlined from 91 to 51 by end 2012. The decision to close...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: Under the Hardship Grant Scheme, assistance is available from my Department to eligible herdowners who are restricted under the TB/BR Eradication Scheme during the period from the 1 November to 30 April. An essential condition of eligibility for the scheme is that the herdowner must not be in receipt of off farm income and must not have any income from milk sales during the period to which...

Written Answers — Ministerial Transport: Ministerial Transport (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The cost to my Department of the senior Minister's car in the period 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 was €65,484.22.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 26 April 2011. Payments have already been made to the person named on 17 October 2011 and 1 December 2011 in respect of 17.39 entitlements. As regards the forestry payment, a technical difficulty has now been resolved and arrangements are being made for early payment of the grant and premium due. The...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €878.08 issued in respect of 2010. Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. During these checks a...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (28 Feb 2012)

Simon Coveney: The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €1,111.55 has issued in respect of 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, had to...