Results 10,021-10,040 of 23,989 for speaker:Charlie McConalogue

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Herd Data (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: Yes, if they are on the same issue, I will deal with them.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Herd Data (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 122 together. I thank Deputy Browne for his question and congratulate him on his recent election. Herd test history statements and reports are issued to all cattle herdowners with the aim of helping them to reduce the risk of bovine TB in cattle herds. The bovine TB forum interim report identified the need to provide more effective information to...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Herd Data (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: Regarding the background to it, as I outlined, the interim report of the TB forum was important in that regard. That report advocated the development of herd risk categories that are simple, clear and convey sufficient information to enable farmers to make decisions appropriate to their situation. I know farmers have expressed concern about the letters. All of us can unite on the fact that...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Herd Data (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: There are not many coming forward with the answers, but we need answers. That is why I am calling a meeting of the TB forum. Nobody suffers more than farmers when herds are restricted. Farmers experience stress when they are facing a test, particularly if they have gone down in the test in recent times. There is also the cost impact on them. It is incumbent on all of us in the Oireachtas...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Common Agricultural Policy (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: The provision of interim CAP measures for the transitional period between the current rural development programme and the post-2020 CAP strategic plan is closely related to progress on the transitional regulations, which will provide a range of options for member states to deploy over the period. Since their publication in November 2019, the transitional regulations have been subject...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Common Agricultural Policy (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: This is something the Deputy has raised regularly in the past. I accept the importance of ensuring that the income stream from environmental schemes, which has been very important for farmers, continues. In addition, there are the environmental outcomes and contributions to biodiversity and we do not want to see a missed opportunity to ensure those outcomes continue. Certainly, it is my...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Common Agricultural Policy (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank Deputies Ó Cuív and Carthy. I indicated that the Commission has a preference for a one-year transition but it is becoming increasingly clear that a two-year transition will be required. If it is to be two years, it is important that we give clarity on the schemes and that the funding is there to ensure the income streams they produce for farmers continue as well. That...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Trade Agreements (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: A political agreement was announced in June 2019, marking the end of a twenty-year period of negotiations on the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement. The agreement is currently undergoing a process of legal scrubbing and translation, with the Commission expecting to bring the matter to the EU Trade Council in the final quarter of 2020. The provisional application of those...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Waste (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: My colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment launched the Waste Action Plan for A Circular Economy – Ireland’s National Waste Policy 2020 – 2025 on 4 September. I understand that the Plan does not suggest the levying of tariffs on the sale of multi-buy packs. It does however include a commitment to "work with retailers to end the sale...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Sector (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: I am acutely aware that current delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector. The Government is very committed to its reform as set out in the Programme for Government including the introduction of new legislation to align the planning and appeal processes with best practice in similar processes elsewhere. We need a system that  works...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harbours and Piers (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHC), located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. Funding is made available on an annual basis by my Department to the Fishery Harbour Centres, including Ros an Mhíl, via the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agrifood Sector (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: The agri-food sector is Ireland’s most important indigenous exporting industry, playing a vital role in the economy. 137,000 farms produce over €8 billion in output; and we have over 770,000 hectares of forest and over 2,000 fishing vessels & aquaculture sites. The agri-food supply chain stretches from rural and coastal areas all across Ireland to the UK, Europe and...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Imports (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: On 21 August, the EU Commission and the United States announced agreement on a package of tariff reductions on a range of products, including US live and frozen lobster products.  The EU Commission figures indicate that last year the EU27 imported €42 million of lobster products from the US (15% of overall extra-EU imports), out of a market worth €290million in total and in...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Common Agricultural Policy (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: My thanks to the Deputy for this question. It is an issue that is at the top of my agenda, and I have already met with some of the farm bodies since my appointment to hear their views.  The issue is somewhat complicated by the ongoing delay in the adoption of the transitional rules, which is not now expected until late October at the earliest. Budgetary details will have...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Sector (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: I am acutely aware that current delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for stakeholders.  The Government is committed to reform of the planning and appeals processes as set out in the Programme for Government and we have presented draft legislation to this effect which I expect to be presenting to the House in due course. My Department is intensively engaging...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Potato Sector (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: Diquat has been the most commonly used desiccant in the potato sector for many decades. As the deputy is aware, diquat is no longer approved for use as a plant protection product within the EU. However, to facilitate industry transition and to support growers as they move to other methods of dessicating potato crops, I have granted a temporary, once-off and short term emergency authorisation...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Exports (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: Developing increased third country market access and furthering trade opportunities abroad are both integral parts of my Department’s response to the challenges posed by Brexit.  These goals are aligned with the strategic market development theme of Food Wise 2025. This strategy outlines the significant potential for growth of our...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Common Agricultural Policy (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: Funding for the CAP is normally determined as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations.  On this occasion, in respect of the 2021-2027 period, the MFF has been accompanied by a new COVID-19 fund known as the Next Generation EU Recovery Instrument. European Council agreement on this package, including the CAP budget, was reached at its...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Farm Costs (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: Brexit, sterling volatility and Covid-19 have had a significant impact on the agri-food and fisheries sectors.  My Department's Brexit preparedness work has resulted in various supports being introduced over successive budgets to help the agri-food and fisheries sectors mitigate the impact of Brexit. These include supports in the form of direct aid, as well...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agriculture Scheme Appeals (15 Sep 2020)

Charlie McConalogue: I wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.  The Office was established in 2002 in accordance with the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 and the Agriculture Appeals Regulations 2002.  There are distinct and specific statutory functions assigned to the officials delivering the appeals service which require the Appeals Officers...