Results 7,561-7,580 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Grant Payments. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I agree with the Deputy that the sooner this matter is dealt with, the better. I hope and have expressed the view that this will happen shortly. As for a timeframe, I expect it to occur within the next fortnight. As the Deputy correctly observed, my officials are in negotiations with the Commission on the matter at present.

Grant Payments. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: As the Deputy knows, Ireland is unique in that it is the only member state that pays 100% of the REPS payment up-front. Other member states are very happy with the new regulation stipulating that there be two separate payments, one of 75% and another of 25%. We are putting forward our specific views and concerns on the basis of our 14 years of experience with the scheme.

World Trade Negotiations. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I remain committed to an ambitious outcome to the current round of WTO negotiations. As an open economy dependent on trade, Ireland has much to gain from a successful conclusion to the negotiations. However, I have insisted, and will continue to insist, that any final agreement must be balanced. It must be balanced across all of the negotiating pillars, namely, market access for industrial...

World Trade Negotiations. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I do not want to give a biblical answer but I share the concerns of all Members of the House. The House has had an opportunity to express these concerns at committees. I have used all the political clout I have been given in speaking to representatives from other member states. What was known as the "group of 14" has now expanded and has become the "group of 20" and this demonstrates the...

World Trade Negotiations. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: We will be dealing with everything we can and my colleague, Deputy McGuinness, the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and a number of my representatives are meeting Commissioner Mandelson this afternoon to outline our concerns. Deputy Andrew Doyle can rest assured that, in working with those in the industry, including farming organisations and political...

Grant Payments. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: Is the Deputy double-jobbing?

Animal Diseases. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I beg the Chair's indulgence in replying to this question, if that is agreeable to the Deputies opposite, as there may be some important points to be made. My Department's contingency arrangements to minimise the possible introduction of the bluetongue virus into the country are based on the existing EU legislation and an ongoing assessment of the risk to Ireland. Following confirmation of...

Animal Diseases. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: That is correct.

Animal Diseases. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I have had two discussions today with the Minister. We had an all-Ireland approach on foot and mouth disease. That included Great Britain and Ireland, including Northern Ireland. All animals being brought in will have a post-import test. If they are coming for slaughter, they do not need a test. I have expressed a view to the effect that the present regulatory rules are inappropriate and...

Animal Diseases. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: It is susceptible animals as opposed to susceptible areas. The status of Northern Ireland is different since the disease is not there. Therefore the rules are different. If animals are being imported for breeding purposes a post-import test will be carried out and I am happy that the relevant provisions will be adhered to. All animals for export have to have a veterinary certificate. We...

Animal Diseases. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: We have a disease control group in the Department which meets instantaneously if there are any changes. We shall be taking into consideration any measures that are necessary, based on the risks as they arise. At this moment the risk has not changed. We changed our view a number of days ago, and that is why I introduced the post-import certificate. In the advent of any changes arising, I...

Installation Aid Scheme. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: The rule is that the applicant must not be in farming. He was initiated within the leasing agreement. I will agree to examine the case. Both of us will look at it. It there are two Ministers looking at it, it might not be half as bad.

Installation Aid Scheme. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: We do not bend rules over here in Fianna Fáil; it is terrible, scandalous behaviour.

Installation Aid Scheme. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: That is why we are strong.

Written Answers — Genetically Modified Organisms: Genetically Modified Organisms (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: Several Government Departments have responsibility for aspects of GM Policy, these are: Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government which has responsibility for the deliberate release for GM's into the environment including for crop cultivation. Department of Health and Children which has responsibility for GM food safety and consumer protection. Department of Enterprise Trade...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: The Farmers' Charter 2005-2007 set out the various deadlines for processing of applications and the issuing of payments to farmers under the schemes operated by my Department. My Department makes every effort to meet such deadlines. However, I accept that, in the case of applications under the Farm Waste and Farm Improvement Schemes, these deadlines in some instances have not been met in...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 16 together. I welcome any proposal to establish biofuel production facilities in Ireland, which would provide a new market outlet for Irish farmers to supply feedstock raw materials for conversion into biofuel. In this context, I did meet recently, at their request with the promoters of a bio-refinery project, which they intend to locate at a suitable...

Written Answers — Sheep Sector: Sheep Sector (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: The sheep sector is an important part of the overall agri-food sector and its future depends on its ability to meet the needs of the market. The Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group, which reported in 2006, included representatives from all interested parties including the relevant state bodies and my Department. The Group's report set out a series of recommendations covering areas such...

Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: The food and drink sector plays a vital role in the Irish economy contributing 8.6% of GDP and exports of over €8 billion in 2006. It is the largest indigenous industry both in terms of manufacturing and consumer spend and I am committed to both protecting and indeed developing this key industry. The sector is important not only in the overall economic context but also for sustaining...

Written Answers — Pig Sector: Pig Sector (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: 70% of pig production costs relate to feed and high feed costs are having an adverse effect on the pig sector. The price of cereals from the 2007 harvest in Ireland was up at least 50% compared to 2006. The price of imported feed materials was up by as much as 80% and those for compound feedingstuffs are running 30% higher. World prices for feed materials are being driven upwards by a number...