Results 12,721-12,740 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Consultancy Contracts Data (28 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: My Department uses private contractors, consultants and agencies to provide certain services when such an approach is more cost effective. This can include services such as specialised laboratory services, computer services, legal advice or independent auditing services. Details of the top twenty consulting firms engaged by this Department for the year 2013 are provided in the table. -...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: An application under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2013, processing of which has recently been finalised. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued directly to the nominated bank account of the person named on the 27 January 2014.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Horse Racing Industry Funding (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: Government support for the horse and greyhound racing industries is provided under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, established under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. In accordance with the Act, 80% and 20% of the monies paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon, respectively. The amounts provided under this measure...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Building Regulations Compliance (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: My Department does not have any capital building projects underway that will be impacted by the new Building Control Regulations 2013.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agriculture Schemes Appeals (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: I can inform the Deputy the applicant was advised of the outcome to his appeal earlier this week.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: The person named commenced REPS 4 in August 2009 and received payments for the first four years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. This process has now been completed for 2013 payments and the Year...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: An application under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 26 April 2013. Processing of the application was recently finalised following the resolution of matters concerning compliance with the Scheme minimum stocking density requirements. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme are due to issue shortly to the nominated bank...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Management (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their forest estate, are the responsibility of the company. The company has, however, advised that, in relation to the disease control measures in Gougane Barra Forest Park, Cork, the felling operation commenced on 20th January 2014 and...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1st May 2013 and therefore the question of payment in respect of 2012 does not arise. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System,...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Land Issues (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: A further letter and map regarding the ineligible areas identified following a recent review of the land parcels declared by the person named have issued to the person named. While the file will be reviewed, as requested by the Deputy, the person named should nevertheless examine the map provided and identify any errors which he considers have been made and notify these to my Department as...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: TB Eradication Scheme (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: The restrictions on buying further animals into herds where the presence of TB has been confirmed derive from the EU legislation governing bovine TB eradication programmes. Article 17 of Council Directive 78/52 EEC requires that a herd in which bovine TB is confirmed is not restocked until after the cattle identified as reactors are slaughtered and all cattle, over six weeks old, remaining...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: Payment under the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme has not yet issued to the person named due to issues highlighted in relation to compliance with the Scheme Terms and Conditions, specifically relating to the definition of an ‘equine breeding operation’. As the matter has recently been resolved, following correspondence with the person named, the application is now being further...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments (29 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: The person named commenced REPS 4 in May 2008 and received payments for the first five years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Following the administrative check an area discrepancy was...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Carcase Disposal (30 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: At present, cruelty to animals is dealt with by the Protection of Animals Act 1911 (as amended by the 1965 Act). Responsibility for pursuing cases under this legislation rests with An Garda Síochána, who may on receipt of a complaint investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an offence under this Act. I understand that investigations into this...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Departmental Contracts (30 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: My Department’s policy on the use of taxis is that taxis should be hired only when no other suitable public transport is available. However, on occasion, it may be necessary for practical and/or safety reasons to avail of a taxi service. In such circumstances taxis are normally chosen from the taxi rank nearest to the point of departure. Three taxi companies were paid directly by...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Welfare (30 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: The Control of Horses Act, 1996 provides powers to local authorities, including powers for the enactment of bye-laws for the control and welfare of horses in the local authorities’ functional area. My Department provides financial support to local authorities to assist their work in implementing the Act. In 2013 my Department provided funding amounting of €282,081 to Galway...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fishing Communities (30 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: I presume the Deputy is referring to proceedings taken by mussel fishermen in Cromane against the State. As proceedings are ongoing before the Courts, I am advised that it would be inappropriate to make any comment on the matter.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Grant Aid (30 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together. The new EU policy framework setting out the broad principles in relation to rural development for the 2014-2020 period has now been finalised. My Department has prepared a consultation paper in relation to the proposed measures for inclusion in Ireland’s Rural Development Programme and the consultation process with relevant...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Proposed Legislation (30 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: The purpose of the Bill is to reform and update the legislative framework relating to forestry in order to support the development of a modern forestry sector which reflects good forest practice and protection of the environment. I am satisfied that it will deliver on this objective. The Committee Stage of the Bill is scheduled to take place in February 2014 and any amendments to the Bill...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Premium Payments (30 Jan 2014)

Simon Coveney: Farmers who plant trees up to the 30th June 2014 can do so under existing scheme rules which means they are eligible for 20 annual premium payments and 100% support for establishment costs. In relation to planting after the 30th June 2014 this will come under the new forestry programme for 2014 – 2020. This will be funded under new State aid rules, the first draft of which was...