Results 12,941-12,960 of 18,593 for speaker:Michael Creed

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Severe Weather Events (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: I appreciate that this is an extremely stressful time, particularly as it follows on from a difficult winter. The Deputy has not offered a single suggestion as to what might be done.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Severe Weather Events (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: All generics, not a single-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Severe Weather Events (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: -----substantial action. There is a saying that what is not measured does not matter, and that is why we are conducting a census to find out what level of provision has been made already-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Severe Weather Events (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: -----and what will be made in September. I appreciate that the Deputy may not wish to listen.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Severe Weather Events (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: I am anxious to work in a collaborative fashion with all those who have something positive to offer or contribute. I have convened a stakeholder group. It represents farmers, the banking industry, the co-op movement and the advisory service. All of the appropriate stakeholders, including my Department, are in there. They are all working earnestly to try to find a solution to a difficult...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Severe Weather Events (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: Taking a census now and another in September will give us the knowledge bank with which to make informed decisions.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Severe Weather Events (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: I note that in the context of the two opportunities the Deputy has had to contribute-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Severe Weather Events (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: -----he has talked a lot about action but he has not made one single constructive proposal.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Severe Weather Events (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: At least the Deputy's county colleague had a number of constructive proposals to make. The Deputy has not made one but has just-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Severe Weather Events (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: -----ranted about the issue. We can all make noise about the matter. This requires focused concentration on solutions.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Herd Data (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: Agriculture, as our largest indigenous industry, plays a key role in the economy and it is important that we ensure the continued development of our agrifood sector.  Food Wise 2025 sets out a cohesive, strategic plan for the sustainable future growth and development of the sector, with sustainability as a core pillar of the strategy, which I advise the Deputy to read. The recently...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Herd Data (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: Some of the Deputy's message is important, but some of his lack of knowledge or willful ignorance of the initiatives we are taking is offensive to the farming community generally. He should bear in mind that the Paris Accord says we should meet our climate change objectives without compromising food production. What is the point in dismantling a carbon-efficient system of food production...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Herd Data (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: It is important to base this debate on facts. Our bovine herd number has increased by approximately 300,000. The Deputy's figures are not correct.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Herd Data (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: Since the abolition of quotas, our herd number has increased by 300,000. I will revert to the Deputy with the specific details but I would suggest that our herd number has been larger previously than it is today. It is important that we base our debate on facts.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Herd Data (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: We have things we need to do. Teagasc's recent work has been important in terms of building a collaborative approach to a significant challenge. What is the purpose of dismantling or denigrating an industry that is among the most carbon efficient? We need to do more, and will do so, across all sectors, including marine, dairy and beef. However, to denigrate the industry's efforts and not...

Other Questions: Fodder Crisis (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: I am aware of the impact of this dry spell on the availability of grass, both for grazing and as fodder, for next winter. On 26 June, I launched a national fodder census to be compiled by Teagasc through its client network, as well as clients of the other fodder group stakeholders, with another census planned for 1 September. The aim of the census is to monitor and measure the levels of...

Other Questions: Fodder Crisis (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: The Deputy has made an invaluable point. A number of livestock farmers are in that position, where stocking density is not as high as it might be on intensive outputs and there is an opportunity for them not to compromise their current production levels but to have a fodder cash crop that could be availed of by others nationally. Many such farmers are in low-income sectors anyway. This...

Other Questions: Fodder Crisis (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: The Deputy is right that we are significantly dependent on imported protein sources for compound feed. If my figures are correct, it is currently some 3 million tonnes and I do not believe we will ever be in a situation where we can substitute 100% of that volume of imports. Nonetheless, I take the Deputy's point. In the context of the winter ahead and the likely requirement given current...

Other Questions: Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Review (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: Under EU regulations, less favoured and disadvantaged areas were to be replaced by newly designated areas of natural constraint, ANCs, from 2018, with eligible areas being designated using a set list of biophysical criteria such as soil drainage, texture and slope. However, as part of legislative amendments at EU level, a proposal was made to extend the 2018 deadline to 2019 on an optional...

Other Questions: Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Review (12 Jul 2018)

Michael Creed: On the latter point, designation primarily has to do with the biophysical criteria. The Deputy asked whether we are looking for an extension. I am not at this stage contemplating a further extension. The obligation is to have this finalised so that, when farmers make their application for the 2019 basic payment scheme, this is all concluded. The Deputy made a point about payment for...