Results 10,621-10,640 of 11,258 for speaker:Séamus Kirk

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: I take it there has been an assessment of expenditure under the scheme by the Department. What has been the result of that assessment? Has the expenditure been justified? Obviously, the Minister has decided to change direction. Should there be a continuation of the financial support provided under the original scheme?

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Can the Minister tell us the number of suckler cows in the national herd? What is the position at the moment? What was it in each of the last three years? What is the trend?

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: I would like to make a brief point about the scheduling of Question Time, particularly on Thursdays.

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: I will be brief. The questions we have been discussing this evening relate to what is probably the most important industry in the country. I do not have a problem with being here after 8 p.m. If some of the earlier business had not finished ahead of schedule, however, Question Time would not have started yet. It was not due to start until 8.45 p.m. I assure the Minister that I am not...

Topical Issue Debate: Home Help Service (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: I raise this issue in the context of the various cutbacks and adjustments that have been made to home support in the caring sector. For elderly people, the disabled, the immobile and the disadvantaged, the home help scheme, along with the other care schemes, is invaluable. The benefit of the health budget to the economy as a whole is obvious. Supporting and maintaining people in a home...

Topical Issue Debate: Home Help Service (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: I thank the Minister of State for her reply. I am somewhat disappointed, however, that the underlying message seems to be that the position is as it is and the prospect of enhanced provision for those who are down to three quarters of an hour of care under the home help scheme are poor. I ask the Minister of State again to examine those cases where the curtailment of hours is such that it...

Topical Issue Debate: Home Help Service (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: The challenge here is the inadequacy of the 2012 provision.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dairy Sector (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the advantage to milk producers of the milk quality assurance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55818/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dairy Sector (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. In his preamble to the points he made about the proposed scheme, he said the background to this is Food Harvest 2020 and the projected increase in diary production in Ireland. I understand Teagasc has prepared expansion plans for the dairy industry and the plans indicate it will be expensive to expand. This industry, by its nature, is...

Other Questions: Single Payment Scheme Payments (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Perhaps the Minister will indicate the overall budgetary position for CAP funding. There appears to be some doubt about what that figure will be. Will we be dealing with a reduced provision in 2013 or is it likely the budgetary situation will deteriorate with the passage of time? The envelope available for distribution to primary producers in Ireland will be determined by the budgetary...

Other Questions: Single Payment Scheme Payments (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: In terms of the eventual template or formula to be put in place for Ireland, a serious difficulty is arising in terms of the age profile of people involved in the agriculture industry in Ireland. As regards incentives and support under CAP to encourage young people to get involved and become participants in the future of the agriculture industry, how does the Minister see this unfolding?

Other Questions: Sugar Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Deputy Barry is totally out of order.

Other Questions: Sugar Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: If there is potential to rebuild and regenerate the sugar industry in Ireland then clearly steps should be taken to do so. As the Minister has said, at least one feasibility study has been carried out-----

Other Questions: Sugar Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Have those feasibility studies been made available to the Minister?

Other Questions: Sugar Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Have the studies been assessed by those who are dealing with the possibility of regenerating the sugar industry and if so, what does the assessment indicate? Is there a potential for the industry, provided certain things happen and if they do not happen, what is the position? What is our competitive position vis-à-vis other sugar producing countries across the EU?

Other Questions: Coillte Teoranta Lands (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Are we to deduce from what the Minister has said that no decision has been taken yet as to what will happen with Coillte? I assume that the decision on selling it has not been taken and that the process of assessment is continuing. I ask the Minister to clarify that issue.

Other Questions: Coillte Teoranta Lands (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: The sale of immature timber will have profound implications for the saw milling sector, which employs a significant number despite the recession. I understand the downturn in the economy has had a minimal effect on the numbers employed in the sector thanks to the flexibility of both employers and employees. I ask the Minister for his assurance that the employment prospects and long-term...

Other Questions: Age Profile in the Farming Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: They have accumulated experience.

Other Questions: Age Profile in the Farming Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Does the Minister agree that we need to develop a public policy position which would also involve Revenue and other Departments? The prospects for young farmers having access to land other than by leasing arrangements are limited and unless they win the lotto or inherit large sums of money, they are often unable to buy the sort of acreage that would rapidly create a viable holding. Does the...

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Despite the Minister's protestations, the reality is that the budgetary provision for the scheme is going downhill. Once he starts to reduce the funds available-----