Results 11,041-11,060 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: An application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 4December 2012. The process of ranking and selecting all AEOS applicants was clearly set out in the scheme documentation. Acceptance into the scheme was established using the pre-determined selection criteria as follows: - farmers in the Boora region of Co. Offaly who chose...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Eligibility (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: The CAP agreement reached on 26 June provides a number of options for Member States in terms of how they can tailor the new measures to suit their specific needs. In this context my Department issued a consultative paper towards the end of July and a process of consultation is currently underway with stakeholders following which I will take decisions that will determine how the measures are...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Sector (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: The application by the person named was approved subject to conditions on 18 June 2013. Both he and his registered forester were notified of the decision on the same date.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Foreshore Licences (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: Following the enactment of the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act 2009 and the Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2011, responsibility for certain foreshore licensing functions was transferred to the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. My Department has retained responsibility for foreshore licensing functions in respect of designated harbour centres, activities wholly...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harbours and Piers Development (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: On 18 December, 2012 this Department invited all coastal Local Authorities to submit in order of priority a list of projects for consideration for funding under the 2013 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Sligo County Council submitted the following list of projects for consideration under the programme: Location Project Description Total Project Cost...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harbours and Piers Development (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: Mullaghmore Harbour is owned by Sligo County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. My Department, however, provides funding for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme subject to available Exchequer funding...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Rural Development Programme Funding (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: While the REPS scheme is payable to farmers with land in Natura 2000 sites, the scheme does not include compensation for compliance with mandatory requirements within those sites. Therefore this Department does not have information with regard to the designation of raised bogs within Natura sites. The amount of compensation per year for Natura 2000 sites under the Rural Development programme...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Beef Industry Irregularities (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: I published a detailed report on the ‘Equine DNA and Mislabelling of Processed Beef Investigation’ on 14 March which provides extensive details on the investigation and the actions taken by my Department. Operations in a total of four plants were suspended (in some cases on a voluntary basis) for varying periods arising from the investigation. Information in relation to...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agriculture Schemes Penalties (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: In order to ensure the successful delivery of approximately €1.7 billion of EU monies under the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and other area based schemes, my Department is required to carry out an annual round of inspections covering both the eligibility of the land declared to draw down payments and also cross compliance aspects. The basis for these checks is...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Horticulture Sector Issues (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: Through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, my Department currently provides grant aid for horticultural growers who are making capital investments in specialist plant and equipment. The main objectives of the scheme are to improve the quality of products, facilitate environmentally friendly practices and promote diversification of...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harbours and Piers Funding (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: My Department provides funding, where exchequer funds allow, for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers and slipways under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. In 2011 no application for funding was received from Wicklow County Council. The following table shows the allocation of funding under the programme for 2012 & 2013: Year...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Commonage Framework Plans (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: Commonage lands form an important part of the farming enterprises of many farmers, particularly along the West Coast. They also form an important part of the local environment from the point of view of bio-diversity, wildlife, amenities and economic returns e.g. tourism. However, there is a substantial risk of land abandonment as under-grazing becomes more of a problem. Under-grazing leads...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Identification Schemes (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: Matters relating to dog licences are a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The microchipping initiative being undertaken by my Department is a separate policy initiative which is being progressed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act. Under this initiative, it is intended that dogs will be uniquely identified by means of a microchip and details...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: International Agreements (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: The EU China Cooperation Plan in Agriculture and Rural Development, which I understand is the one which the Deputy refers to, was reached between Commissioner Ciolos and Minister Han Changfu in June 2012, and sets out the grounds and principles for agriculture cooperation between the EU and China in relation to Rural Development, Agriculture Research and Innovation and Agricultural Quality...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Commonage Division (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: Commonage lands form an important part of the farming enterprises of many farmers, particularly along the West Coast. They also form an important part of the local environment from the point of view of bio-diversity, wildlife, amenities and economic returns e.g. tourism. However, there is a substantial risk of land abandonment as under-grazing becomes more of a problem. Under-grazing leads...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fodder Crisis (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: The inter-Agency Fodder Committee met on 12 September to discuss the results of the recent fodder survey. The fodder census survey shows that there is an overall average 8% surplus of fodder (silage and hay) across the country. The survey was carried out in the week commencing 1 September by Teagasc and other organisations participating in the inter-Agency Fodder Committee. The survey...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Commonage Framework Plans (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: The report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate regarding the issues surrounding commonage lands, the views of the various stakeholders having being sought and considered by the Committee. As I have indicated previously, while it is generally accepted that this is a very complex matter and requires a very detailed action plan to...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Kerry Bog Pony (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: The Kerry Bog Pony is recognised within Ireland and further afield as a rare traditional Irish pony breed. The Kerry Bog Pony Society is approved by my Department to maintain the Kerry Bog Pony studbook and records all pedigrees of ponies of that breed. It is also responsible for preserving and promoting the breed and for devising and implementing a breed improvement programme. In...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Rural Development Programme Funding (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: Under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 [RDP] the total level of commitments for the years 2014 to 2016 is estimated to be €364 million. The table below summarises this position. You will appreciate that this estimate is based on the expectation that the applicants for support fulfil their obligations under the respective schemes. This estimate does not include...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme (18 Sep 2013)

Simon Coveney: This is an exciting time for the seafood processing sector, with enormous potential for growth and expansion. Since 2011, seafood exports have grown by €138 million, an impressive increase of 36%. Bord Iascaigh Mhara has reported that during that period processing companies who have benefitted from Government grant-aid through the Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme have...