Results 7,281-7,300 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Other Questions: Dairy Sector (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: It certainly does. I see that Deputy Kelleher has also joined us for the discussion. Prices paid for products in the marketplace are a function of a number of market forces and the negotiation of commercial contracts is essentially a matter for the contracting parties. The National Milk Agency, which operates under the aegis of my Department, was set up in 1994 to regulate the supply of...

Other Questions: Dairy Sector (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: On the Deputy's last question, he might well see supports trying to do that under pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, reform process. For example, producer groups would be supported so that farmers could negotiate prices collectively and more effectively. This should and could happen in the beef, sheepmeat and lamb sectors, where farmers should be negotiating in a more...

Other Questions: Dairy Sector (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: I am not quite sure what the Deputy is seeking. Does he want the Commission to start setting milk prices across Europe?

Other Questions: Dairy Sector (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: We must have a functioning, competitive marketplace. In this context we must find ways to increase the negotiating power of primary producers of food to ensure that they are not solely price takers when they go to market. To help us in this regard, the EU has proposed that the producer group model be supported. It is active in other parts of Europe but not as active in certain parts of...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Milk Supply (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: Prices paid for products in the marketplace are a function of a number of market forces and the negotiation of commercial contracts is essentially a matter for the contracting parties. The National Milk Agency, which operates under the aegis of my Department, was set up in 1994 to regulate the supply of milk for liquid consumption. All farmers supplying milk for liquid consumption in the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Coillte Teoranta Reports (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: In the first instance, I wish to advise the Deputy that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is actually the main shareholder in Coillte Teoranta. However, while I hold a lesser number of shares, there are a number of powers assigned to me under the Forestry Act 1988 under which Coillte Teoranta was established. Coillte Teoranta, which was established as a private commercial...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Horse Racing Industry (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: Earlier this year I commissioned Indecon Consultants to undertake a Review into certain aspects of the Irish Horse Racing Industry. Indecon considered inter alia legislation, governance structures, funding and management of the horse racing industry in Ireland. Regarding funding the Report resulting from the Indecon study supports additional and sustainable funding for the development of...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Farm Partnerships (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: Farmers, in common with business operators in other sectors, are at liberty to enter into partnership agreements establishing collaborative arrangements for farming or other activities. Such arrangements are governed by the Partnership Act of 1890. In addition, under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, individual partnerships are given tax reference numbers and a precedent partner is identified...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Suckler Welfare Scheme Application Numbers (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 104 together. The Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme is a five-year Scheme for beef animals born during the period, which commenced on 1 January 2008 and will end on 31 December 2012. The primary objectives of the Scheme was to improve welfare standards in the sector and to assist in the establishment of a breeding database from which suckler farmers could...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harbours and Piers (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: My Department is responsible for the administration of the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Development Programme which provides funding for works at the six Fishery Harbour Centres on an annual basis and in addition, where exchequer funds allow, funding is made available to Local Authority owned piers and harbours. A budget of €6 million was allocated to the 2012...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Common Agricultural Policy (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: The outcome of negotiations on reform of the Common Agricultural policy will set the context and part of the policy framework for the future development of the agri-food sector in Ireland and across the EU. In that connection, I welcome the three key principles underpinning the EU Commission’s proposals for reform of the CAP which are to preserve food production potential in the EU,...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fishing Industry Development (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: I am conscious of the economic potential of the inshore fisheries sector to grow and make an increased contribution to employment and economic growth in peripheral coastal and island communities. Already, many shellfish species make a valuable contribution to our exports, either through direct export or as essential raw material for added-value seafood products. Sustainably managed, there is...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Common Agricultural Policy (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: The future system of payments to farmers in disadvantaged areas forms part of the wider negotiations on the reform of the common agricultural policy. Under the Commission’s proposal, Less Favoured Areas – known as Disadvantaged Areas in Ireland – will become known as Areas facing natural or specific constraints, or ANCs. Designation of the ANC areas is proposed to be...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Rural Development Programme (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: Since the launch of the Rural Development Programme 2007 - 2013 [RDP] expenditure under the programme to 15 October 2012 amounts to €3.5bn. This represents close on 73% of the total value of the Programme which is €4.8bn. Axes 1 and 2 of the Rural Development Programme are administered by my Department while Axes 3 and 4 are delivered by the Department of the Environment,...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Plean Teanga (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: Seoladh Scéim Gaeilge mo Roinne i mí na Nollag 2006. Tá plean nua á ullmhú lena chur i bhfeidhm in 2013.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Severe Weather Events (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: 2012 was a very difficult year for the production of potato and horticultural crops. The very wet weather during the summer months led to significantly reduced yields and poorer quality. The effects of this will continue through into 2013. The poor weather also led to higher disease pressures and higher costs. In relation to vegetables, there were also negative impacts on the planting of...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Milk Quota (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: Both the Irish dairy sector and market analysts have regarded the milk quota regime as a brake on the potential of the Irish dairy sector to respond positively to opportunities in the market. With the abolition of milk quotas on the 1st of April 2015, I expect the Irish dairy sector to expand significantly in the years ahead, with output driven by global demand and with significant...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ash Dieback Threat (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: The disease Chalara fraxinea or ash dieback poses a very real threat to ash trees throughout Ireland and indeed to those industries which rely on that species for their business - most notably hurley manufacture. A total of 3% of the national forest estate is under ash and 10% of all new planting is currently made up of this important native species. The disease itself is relatively new and...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Teagasc Rationalisation Programme (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: Teagasc has statutory responsibility to provide education, advisory and research services to the agriculture sector. Programmes and services are developed with clients and partners overseen by an Authority that is representative of the main agriculture stakeholder groups. It is a matter for Teagasc to prioritise activities in the delivery of services and to allocate resources in accordance...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Seirbhísi trí Gaeilge (6 Nov 2012)

Simon Coveney: Cuireann mo Roinnse seirbhísí i nGaeilge ar fáil i gcónaí i gceantair Ghaeltachta. Is féidir le duine ar bith ar mian leis dul i mbun gnó leis an Roinn i nGaeilge é sin a dhéanamh ach iarratas a dhéanamh. Is i nGaeilge a dhéanann an fhoireann agus custaiméirí i gceantair Ghaeltachta roinnt dá ngnó, nó a gcuid...