Results 6,201-6,220 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Sugar Industry: Sugar Industry (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: In 2011 I met with two groups who individually carried out feasibility studies into the revival of a sugar/bioethanol facility in Ireland. I stated at both meetings that I was in favour of the total abolition of the sugar quota, when the current regime ends on the 30 September 2015. I also stated at both meetings that if there is to be a new facility, that only one would be sustainable and...

Written Answers — Agri-Environment Options Scheme: Agri-Environment Options Scheme (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: I am actively considering the possibility of re-opening Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS) to allow for the submission of applications either on an amended basis from the existing scheme and/or on a limited scale, including the possibility of re-opening for applications later in the year. The full year cost of any new scheme will have to be met in 2013 and any decision to re-open AEOS...

Written Answers — Ministerial Expenditure: Ministerial Expenditure (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: Photographers are booked for the purpose of recording key events attended by Ministers, such as the launch of schemes and programmes, new initiatives and visits by inward delegations. Where possible, the Press Office uses in house photography. The policy for booking a photographer for official purposes, is that, my Departments Press Office seeks 3 quotes in advance of each photo-shoot to keep...

Written Answers — Advertising Standards: Advertising Standards (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's (BAI) review of the Children's Commercial Communication Code and the potential impact this may have on advertising of cheese. As the deputy will be aware, the BAI comes under the remit of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I have received strong representations from the dairy industry highlighting the...

Written Answers — Disadvantaged Areas Scheme: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: The purpose of the changes announced to the 2012 Terms and Conditions of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is to achieve the required savings, prompted by the budgeted expenditure under the 2012 Scheme being reduced to from €220 million to €190 million. However, in order to make these savings, it is proposed to make technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria, rather than simply apply an...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: In accordance with the Government's decision in 2011, I invite expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies operating under the aegis of my Department. In making any board appointments, I am not necessarily confined to those who make such expressions of interest but will ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant mix of knowledge...

Written Answers — Food Exports: Food Exports (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: The food and beverage sectors operate in a global marketplace where volatility has become more prevalent in recent years. Over the last two years, the value of Irish food and drink exports has increased by €1.8 billion or 25%, according to Bord Bia due to high global market prices and also increased demand both in previously existing and in new markets. Factors influencing exports from...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: Sick leave policy for the Civil Service is determined centrally by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). Sick leave in my Department is managed and reported on as directed by Circular 09/2010 'Management of Sick Leave', as issued by DPER on 30th July 2010. Sick leave entitlements of staff in my Department are the same as those that apply across the Civil Service generally...

Written Answers — Public Sector Reform: Public Sector Reform (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: The structured framework provided by the Croke Park Action Plan has been instrumental in achieving significant saving in administrative expenditure by the Department while maintaining and improving service quality. These savings have centred on a reduction in staff numbers and overtime, local office reorganisation, improved work practices, centralisation of procurement, increased use of...

Written Answers — Agri-Environment Options Scheme: Agri-Environment Options Scheme (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: My Department's overall goal is to support sustainable development which requires us to address a range of issues across its three pillars i.e. the environmental, economic and the social. Our Sustainable Future – A Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland which was published in June 2012, provides a framework for the integration of sustainable development considerations across...

Written Answers — Irish Language: Irish Language (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: Total expenditure by my Department in providing services through the Irish language in each of the last five years is €101,379.44. Details are as follows: 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012To date €49737.63 €18607.76 €19954.34 €11985.49 €1094.22

Written Answers — Agri-Environment Options Scheme: Agri-Environment Options Scheme (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 November 2010 having completed the Form N option, indicating that he had designated lands. 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, must...

Written Answers — Fishing Vessel Licences: Fishing Vessel Licences (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: In 2011, I asked the fishing industry and other interested parties to make proposals on the future management arrangements for all Irish herring fisheries, the Celtic Sea stock, the stocks off the North West coast and the Atlanto Scandian stock. The objective of the review was to deliver a policy which would ensure an economically and biologically sustainable fishery. I received over 20 sets...

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: My Department reviewed all of the circumstances of this case when replying to Parliamentary Question 27140/12 and has nothing further to add. This question relates to issues first litigated by the person named some 30 years ago that are long since concluded, save for the discharge of legal fees due in respect of a case which was lost. In one case, the person named successfully sued the...

Written Answers — Pigmeat Recall Scheme: Pigmeat Recall Scheme (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: Final payments have been made to beneficiaries under the Pigmeat Recall Scheme (PRS). A list of beneficiaries as requested by the Deputy is being prepared and will issue to him shortly.

Written Answers — Agri-Environment Options Scheme: Agri-Environment Options Scheme (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: An official of my Department has been in direct contact with the person named and has again outlined the documentation required to process this case to completion. Immediately on receipt of this documentation, the case will then be further processed.

Written Answers — Horse Racing Industry: Horse Racing Industry (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: According to a report entitled "Analysis of the economic impact of the Irish Thoroughbred Horse Industry" (Dukes Report – Update October 2010), published by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the total employment in the Irish Thoroughbred Horse Industry was 17,351 in 2010.

Written Answers — Departmental Investigations: Departmental Investigations (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: I can confirm that the investigation is ongoing and that my Department is currently engaged in determining the sequence of events with regard to the inspection of the Keelderry commonage. As such, I am not in a position to make a statement on the matter until the investigation is fully completed.

Written Answers — Agri-Environment Options Scheme: Agri-Environment Options Scheme (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 November 2010. 75% payment, totalling €624.99 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, must be...

Written Answers — Legal Cases: Legal Cases (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: The information requested is being collated at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy directly.