Results 14,701-14,720 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

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

Simon Coveney: Under the governing EU Regulations, payments under the 2014 Grassland Sheep Scheme cannot issue to eligible applicants until after 1 stDecember 2014.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Rural Development Programme Projects (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The request of Monaghan County Council referred to by the Deputy relates to funding for the poultry sector under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme. That Programme was submitted to the EU Commission for approval in July 2014. I have already identified investment in relation to energy, water meters and medicine dispensers in existing poultry units as a priority area under TAMS II....

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

Simon Coveney: As the Deputy is most likely aware, any 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...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Appeals (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: A review of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that one of the land parcels declared by the person named contained ineligible features. Following the review of my Department’s decision, sought by the person named, a visit by a Department official to verify the position on the ground is necessary. The person named was informed of...

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 the sector will always be subject to a degree of volatility. This is the same for milk...

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

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 256 together. I am constantly seeking to develop relationships in new and expanding international markets for all Irish meats and dairy products, raising the profile of Ireland and increasing international confidence in Irish production and control systems. My aim is to build long-term trading relationships into the future in these sectors,...

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

Simon Coveney: As the Deputy is aware , difficulties relating to the production of young bull beef in Ireland became prominent towards the end of 2013 and the early months of 2014. Bull beef is not a traditional system in Ireland; our grass fed steer and heifer production systems suit our climate and land availability. Producing quality young bull beef that meets specification requirements for meat...

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

Simon Coveney: Ireland is the fifth largest net exporter of beef in the world and we export 90% of the beef produced here . Most of our exports go to high value EU markets and Irish beef is now listed with more than 75 high-end retail chains across the EU. As with our competitors, Irish beef is susceptible to changes in consumption levels across Europe , and especially in the UK as our biggest export...

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

Simon Coveney: The maintenance of an efficient and viable cereals sector in Ireland is clearly very important to the well being of the agri-food industry. Indigenous production of cereals is of course, an important part of primary agriculture production. In addition to generating an income for our tillage farmers, the cereals sector is a key source of grain for the milling and malting industry and feeding...

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

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 267 together. Food production and labelling in EU Member States operate in accordance with harmonised rules and controls. These controls are subject to audit and supervision by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the EU. The FVO also audit the controls of the importing countries for equivalent standards before that country is authorised to import...

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

Simon Coveney: The abolition of quotas represents a massive opportunity for the Irish agri-food sector. Dairy exports in 2013 were valued at €3 .1 bn and the dairy sector is by a number of measures the country’s largest indigenous industry. Due to its reputation and significant global footprint, the dairy sector in Ireland retains significant future growth potential. The removal of quotas will...

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

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 260, 262 and 263 together. The seafood sector provides employment for approximately 11,000 people around the coast of Ireland. Employment levels have been broadly stable in most sub-segments, with the processing sector increasing at a rate of on average 100 per year, supported by in excess of €7 million of grant aid since 2010, co-funded by the...

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

Simon Coveney: The new CFP which was finalised last year under the Irish presidency will result in real meaningful reform to how EU waters are fished in the future. The agreement is designed to ensure the long term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters, utilising best scientific advice as a key determinant in setting annual fishing quotas in the future. The reformed CFP will provide...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Common Agricultural Policy Review (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The reforms agreed last year to the Common Agricultural Policy set the policy framework for Irish and European agriculture for the period up to 2020 and are of central importance in shaping the future of agriculture policy for the rest of this decade. The outcome has a crucial bearing on the development of the Irish agri-food sector in accordance with the Food Harvest 2020 strategy. It also...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Common Fisheries Policy Review (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: From the outset of the Common Fisheries Policy revision process, Ireland’s overarching goal was to ensure a sustainable, profitable and self reliant industry that protects and enhances the social and economic fabric of rural coastal communities dependent on the seafood sector, while balancing these objectives with the need to safeguard fish stocks for future generations. I strongly...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Food Harvest 2020 Strategy (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: I am pleased to report that the industry developed targets set out in Food Harvest 2020 are being successfully delivered. The following table illustrates the progress achieved on the three headline targets as well as the current position in each of the main agricultural sectors. Headline Targets Baseline (2007-2009 Average*) FH2020 Target Latest Position Primary €4.596...

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

Simon Coveney: My Department does not operate specific schemes of financial assistance for animal welfare groups. However since 1995 ex-gratia funding has been made annually to a number of animal welfare organisations directly involved in the delivery of animal care and welfare services. In May 2014, my Department invited applications from animal welfare bodies that wish to be considered for ex-gratia...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Applications (23 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: A review of the ortho-imagery of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme suggested that a number of the land parcels declared by the person named contained ineligible features. Following an appeal from the person named, a Department inspector visited the holding and confirmed this not to be the case; payment due will issue to the person named in the...

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

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together. The Noxious Weeds Act 1936 provides for the control of the spread of six noxious weeds, namely, thistle, ragwort, dock, common barberry, male wild hop plant and the wild oat. Under the Act, it is an offence not to prevent the spread of these noxious weeds. The owner, occupier, user or managers of lands on which these weeds are present...

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

Simon Coveney: The information requested by the Deputy is being collated at present and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.