Results 661-680 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan
- Animal Transport Regulations. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: One will need a certificate of competency for journeys of more than eight hours. Other issues will also have to be addressed in such circumstances.
- Animal Transport Regulations. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I think the Deputy should hold the head a little. There will not be any change in the rules governing the transport of animals for more than 50 km. The changes affecting those who drive more than 50 km but for less than eight hours will be minimal. In this regard, the regulation is in line with the normal methodology used by hauliers, transporters and farmers at present. The Deputy also asked...
- Animal Transport Regulations. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: It depends on how much money the driver stands to make on the horse.
- Foot and Mouth Disease. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: The European Court of Auditors' Special Report No. 8 of 2004 on the European Commission's management and supervision of the measures to control the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak and of the related expenditure was issued on 16 November 2004. The audit was carried out at the Commission and in France, Ireland, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The objectives of the audit were to...
- Foot and Mouth Disease. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: Naturally, we were part of the audit process. The relevant issues are being discussed and will be brought before Council. It is an issue for the Commission but, having said that, I hope the new procedures being introduced will address the concerns that have been raised. On the larger issue of compensation, the foot and mouth disease crisis had considerable financial implications. Thank...
- Foot and Mouth Disease. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: The Deputies have raised several issues, remote from the question but that is beside the point.
- Foot and Mouth Disease. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I do not know how capable I am but I will do my best on this. Discussion of disease levies is at a preliminary stage and no position has been taken. I have noted the views of most people on the issue. It would be reflected in serious charges that might have serious consequences. Some people might see it as a deterrent but in the overarching discussion it has not come forward for high level...
- Live Exports. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: Following the outbreak of BSE the export of live cattle from, or its transit through, the United Kingdom was prohibited by virtue of Commission Decision of 27 March 1996. Given the possibility that there would be no direct access to continental markets after the withdrawal of the P&O ro-ro service between Rosslare and Cherbourg, I requested Commissioner Byrne late last year to submit a...
- Live Exports. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: The Deputy is aware of our personal views with regard to live exports. On the basis of the situation that arose I had to look at every available option, be it a land bridge through the United Kingdom or supporting and facilitating the reintroduction of the crossing. I spoke with the relevant Minister and Minister for State in London and we have been facilitated at Commission level. There may...
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: As both questions deal with the closure of the Carlow sugar factory and the future of the sugar regime I propose to take them together. The Government has always been very committed to the sugar industry in Ireland, on both the growing and the manufacturing sides. The manufacturing industry provides the essential outlets for the sugar beet crop which is a very important element in the...
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: The Deputy raised a number of issues. The decision made by Greencore will not undermine our position at negotiations regarding the EU sugar regime. A number of issues have to be addressed. No further decisions or movement will take place until the WTO panel makes a decision. If that goes the wrong way, that will have serious implications for the sugar regime per se and the European Union may...
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I would be looking hard for sugar beet around my county. I will facilitate the farming community and have advised them of my views. We will work together seriously and closely on this issue and in regard to the sugar regime. Members may not be aware that 20% of the sugar consumed in this country is not manufactured here, and it is in this regard I am sure a commercial decision was being made.
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: This is a significant amount. The multiples provide that choice although people are perhaps not aware of it. There is a serious competition issue, not just in Ireland but in the EU also, in that a number of other countries are able to produce sugar at a third less cost than our manufacturers.
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: It is important we clarify the position of the golden share. It affects the disposal of the controlling interest in Irish Sugar or the sugar assets and prevents a single shareholder or group of shareholders acting together to gain control of Greencore. We are not at that level.
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: The golden share does not allow me to interfere with the commercial or operational decisions of any company. When I refer to assets, I am thinking of an example where Irish Sugar might decide to sell the quota abroad. I would be able to interfere at that level.
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: The controlling interest rather than assets is what we are talking about. If there was a coup d'état where somebody decided--ââ
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: There might be a coup in which shareholders would like to take over. Some see this as a political opportunity. There are two basic parts to the issue. One is to ensure that all support possible in the context of replacement industry is provided to Carlow town and the other is to ensure the farming community is facilitated in the transportation of its beet. There are annual arrangements...
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I have been advised of a number of practical issues. It is a matter for the company to deal with those issues. It is not up to me to get planning permission in Carlow; it is up to the company. If there are issues for the company to address, it will have to make a commercial decision as to what to do. Out of courtesy, I and my Department were advised at the same time as the workers of the...
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: Kilkenny was the other county where I met with farming representatives.
- Food Industry. (27 Jan 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I met them on the street so it was not a formal deputation. I would always telephone Deputy Hogan in time.