Results 11,441-11,460 of 18,593 for speaker:Michael Creed

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Aquaculture Licences (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: I commissioned the Independent Review of Aquaculture Licensing in December 2016 and the report was submitted to me at the end of May 2017. The Review Group carried out a detailed examination of the existing aquaculture licensing process, undertook comprehensive stakeholder consultation and looked at comparative national and international consent systems to determine best practice for...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: GLAS Payments (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date - such is the popularity of the scheme. Given that the first approvals under the scheme run from 1 October 2015 it is a remarkable achievement to have exceeded this target within a period of 15 months....

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Live Exports (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Live exports are an important component of Ireland’s livestock industry. I am conscious of the vital role they play in stimulating price competition, and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. The ongoing search for new third-country markets is a priority for my Department, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the upcoming UK exit from the EU. In 2017,...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing Industry (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The Deputy will be aware that the activities of the National Asset Management Agency are outside the remit of my Department. With regards to the organisation referenced, my Department funded the Indecon Review of the Irish Harness Racing Sector, which was published on 1st November 2017. This report provides the sport with a road map for its potential development and I will be supporting...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Horse Racing Industry (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: I am aware of the deep concern that exists in the horseracing industry arising from the recent  Labour Court ruling and its significant impact on the sector, particularly for smaller operators. As part of the legislation governing employment in this area falls within the remit of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I can confirm...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Brexit Issues (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Imports (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Ireland is small open economy which exports the vast bulk of its main agricultural commodities. Between the period 2009 to 2016 agri-food exports increased by 56% from €7.8 billion to €12.2 billion to over 180 destinations worldwide. While full year figures are not yet available from the Central Statistics Office, returns indicate that exports for January –...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Livestock Issues (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fodder Crisis (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Weather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were compounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter. To immediately address this issue I prioritised the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Brexit Negotiations (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: I very much welcome the EU position that the whole of the EU acquiswill apply during any transition, which means that the status quo for fisheries and all other sectors will be preserved. This will ensure that we avoid any gaps or cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and the entry into force of a future relationship agreement . While I cannot guarantee what the final outcome of...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Hen Harriers Threat Response Plan (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: At the outset, I would like to say that neither I or my Department have a role in regards to the designation of land. That function is exercised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. However, as part of our current Rural Development Plan, my Department seeks to address a wide range of environmental objectives, involving...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Common Agricultural Policy Reform (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: At the most recent EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in January, Ministers were given the opportunity to debate the future of the CAP post 2020.  Discussions focussed on the key objectives to be set at EU level to ensure that the CAP continues to add value after 2020, and the level of subsidiarity necessary to provide increased flexibility for Member...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Live Exports (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: I am extremely conscious of the vital role that live exports play in stimulating price competition, providing an alternative market outlet for Irish beef farmers. The Deputy will be aware that, in February 2017, I reduced the veterinary inspection fee that is payable on the live exports of calves less than three months of age to €1.20 per animal from €4.80, in order to bring...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Welfare (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: I am aware of, and concerned at, the reported incident in Macroom, Co Cork. Detailed debate was held around the issue of hunting during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Dail voted overwhelmingly to allow the continuation on fox hunting in accordance with an appropriate Code of Conduct. The prevalence of a local fox population can be a cause of serious...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Horse Racing Industry (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: I am aware of the deep concern that exists in the horseracing industry arising from the recent Labour Court ruling and its significant impact on the sector, particularly for smaller operators. As part of the legislation governing employment in this area falls within the remit of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I can confirm that I have met with my colleague Minister...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Knowledge Transfer Programme (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The Knowledge Transfer Programme is one of the key measures included under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020. Over 19,000 farmer participants are currently registered to Knowledge Transfer (KT) Groups in six sectors. Farmers are required to attend a number of group KT meetings and/or KT Events and also complete an individual Farm Improvement Plan (FIP) following one to...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Alternative Farm Enterprises (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Hemp fibre and seed are viewed as versatile products, used to produce a wide range of commodities including food and beverage products, medicines and a range of industrial products Hemp grown for fibre production is frequently referred to as “industrial” hemp, in order to differentiate it from the plants used for drug production. Industrial hemp has been selectively bred...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Dog Breeding Industry (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The welfare of animals is regulated by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.  The Act applies to all animals, whether kept for commercial, domestic, sport, show or other purposes and contains robust measures against the ill-treatment of animals. The Act also provides for the application of fines and imprisonment on conviction of an offence. Trade within the EU of dogs is governed...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Labelling (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Food products placed on the marketplace are covered by a range of legislation designed to ensure that products supplied to consumers are of the highest safety standards.  My Department plays a part in the enforcement of this legislation along with other Government departments and State Agencies such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and the Health Service Executive. The...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: EU Agreements (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: I have continuously raised the very significant threat posed to the European and Irish beef sectors by an EU-Mercosur trade deal with my Member State colleagues and with Commissioners Hogan and Malmström. These efforts have been reinforced at official level through similar contacts with Member States and the Commission, particularly through the Special Committee on Agriculture and the...