Results 14,641-14,660 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Defence Forces Mission on the Golan Heights: Statements (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: There is. There are very good reasons.

Defence Forces Mission on the Golan Heights: Statements (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: Our troops are not there.

Defence Forces Mission on the Golan Heights: Statements (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: They are in the Golan Heights.

Defence Forces Mission on the Golan Heights: Statements (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: There is no presence of ISIL or ISIS in the Golan Heights.

Defence Forces Mission on the Golan Heights: Statements (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: I wish to take this opportunity to clarify a few issues because I do not want this debate to broaden out into a general debate on the Middle East and policies in that region. We have an involvement in two very significant peacekeeping missions in this part of the world. One is the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon which Ireland has had major involvement in for many decades. ...

Defence Forces Mission on the Golan Heights: Statements (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: It was not meant to provide a political solution. The mandate is a Chapter Six peace observation role where the UN operates within a 75 km long strip, with Mount Hermon at the northern end, down along the Golan Heights. The UN had a string of posts manned by peacekeepers who were observing the adherence to an armistice and peace plan between two countries and it was hugely successful. The...

Defence Forces Mission on the Golan Heights: Statements (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: We have seen a structural and dramatic change to the mission, but this remains a peace observation mission. We will review the weaponry that is available to our troops and to others who are working with us. If Ireland was to pull out of this, it would result in this mission having a destabilised future which, in turn, would contribute negatively to instability in the region.

Defence Forces Mission on the Golan Heights: Statements (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: Such instability is not something we should allow.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harbours and Piers Expenditure (23 Sep 2014)

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. On the 20th March this year, as part of the Government's overall co-ordinated response to the impacts of the winter storms I approved a total of €8.5 million in funding for...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Beef Industry (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: I am acutely aware of the pressure being felt by farmers throughout the country as a result of the decline in beef prices over the last 12 months or more. Not only am I aware of it, but I have made addressing the concerns of these farmers a priority for the Government.   The Deputy is correct in noting that beef prices will always be subject to a degree of volatility. This is the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Welfare (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The Report produced by Indecon International Economic Consultants on completion of their 'Review of Certain Matters Relating to Bord na gCon’was published in July 2014. This review was commissioned by my Department in order to assess the suitability of the legal, governance and regulatory framework supporting the greyhound industry and to identify opportunities to maximise the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Exports (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: Last year the value of our exports of agri-food products to Russia was €235 million. This represents about 2.5% of our total agri-food exports. However, not all agricultural products are affected by the Presidential ban. Tea extract, infant formula, casein and beverages are not subject to the trade restrictions. Moreover, Russia had already imposed a blanket ban on exports of...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Beef Industry (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: I am acutely aware of the difficulties being experienced by beef producers as a result of the fall in prices this year. I am committed to working with farmers and industry to both deal with the current difficulties, and ensure we have the right measures in place to aid producers achieve better margins on their farms. The focus of this work must be on the strategic development of the sector...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Milk Quota (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: As the Deputy is aware, the superlevy fine is set by milk quota Regulations agreed at EU level. Given that fact, it is not possible for me on a unilateral basis to change that rate without the agreement of both the Commission and all other Member States. At each Agriculture Council over the last year the issue of additional measures to ensure a ‘soft landing’ to milk quota...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The adjustments made to recent DAS Schemes ensured that the aid payment is focused on farmers whose farming enterprises are situated exclusively in DAS areas and who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows: - To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fish Exports (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: As you are aware, on the 7 thAugust 2014, Russia banned the importation of a list of seafood from the EU for a year or at least until the sanctions imposed by the Western countries on Russia are lifted. Those EU sanctions were, of course in response to the situation in Ukraine, and were fully supported by Ireland. The effects of the Russian ban will be felt by Irish processors and...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Trade Agreements (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: I would start by saying that Ireland is very supportive of an EU/US trade deal. An agreement between the world’s two major trading blocs has the potential to increase growth and grow jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. This view is shared among my colleagues in the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers. Moreover, we also share a common understanding on the need to ensure a...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Budget 2015 (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The total profiled expenditure for 2014 for REPS is €123m and for AEOS is €61m and it is expected that the entire allocation for these Schemes will be spent in 2014. The budgetary process for 2015 is currently underway and the allocation of monies for REPS and AEOS will be decided as part of that process. There is no intention to cut scheme payments for the remaining REPS 4...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Exports (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: Last year the value of our exports of agri-food products to Russia was €235 million. This represents about 2.5% of our total agri-food exports. However, not all agricultural products are affected by the Presidential ban. Tea extract, infant formula, casein and beverages are not subject to the trade restrictions. Moreover, Russia had already imposed a blanket ban on exports of pig-meat...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ministerial Responsibilities (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: On 15 July 2014 Minister Phelan was appointed to be Minister of State at the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Transport, Tourism and Sport with special responsibility for Rural Economic Development (implementation of the CEDRA Report) and Rural Transport. The CEDRA recommendations are very wide-ranging and cover issues that are the direct responsibility of a number of...