Results 17,561-17,580 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Training (15 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: I am informed by the military authorities that during the period 2011 – 2014 inclusive, the Defence Forces trained three hundred and sixty-two military personnel from other States. The personnel in question came from the following countries (in alphabetical order): Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Canada, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus,...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Investigations (15 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: The Niemba ambush occurred in the Congo on 8 November 1960 and involved the deaths of nine members of the Defence Forces in horrific circumstances. In February 2006 Colonel Tom Behan was tasked with carrying out an investigation into all aspects of the Niemba Ambush and he reported later that year. Despite extensive research, it was not possible to achieve clarity in regard to all matters...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Properties (15 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: The former barracks in Mullingar is currently used by Westmeath GAA Board under a short term licence. The former barracks is also currently used by An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and it is intended that these arrangements will remain in place. A number of other organisations and individuals have also made enquiries/suggestions in the recent past as...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Semi-State Bodies (15 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: There are no commercial semi-State companies operating under the aegis of my Department, nor were there any during the period in question.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: The person named was approved for participation in the 2010 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 1) which included a non-productive capital investment element. A Department review of the non-productive capital investment claims submitted by applicants under AEOS , was undertaken in 2014. This review identified irregularities with documentation submitted for reimbursement in some of these...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: The Rural Development Programme for the 2014-2020 period was submitted to the EU Commission for approval in July 2014. The following investments have been identified as priority areas which will be targeted in the TAMS scheme: (i) dairy equipment, (ii) a young farmer capital investment scheme. (iii) low emission spreading equipment, (iv) organic capital investment, (v) animal welfare and...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Premium Payments (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: Between 2010 and 2014 payments on this contract were made on 9.57 hectares. As part of the Second Instalment grant process, which was completed on this contract in 2014, a full check of the file was carried out by the Department. The boundaries of the plantation were checked against the visible ground features, resulting in small adjustments and a reduction in area to 9.45 hectares. ...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: The person named commenced REPS 4 in August 2009 and received payments for the entire duration of their contract which was terminated on the 31stDecember 2014. Following an on-farm inspection in 2011 areas of non-compliance under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were discovered which resulted in the application of penalties amounting to 50% and 19% respectively. Following an appeal to...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: The person named was approved for participation in the 2010 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 1) with effect from the 1st September 2010 and payment has issued in respect of the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 Scheme years. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Payments (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: Any farmer who was eligible to receive a direct payment in excess of €100 under the 2013 scheme year holds an automatic right to receive entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015. A direct payment is defined as any payment received under the Single Payment Scheme, the Grassland Sheep Scheme, the Burren Conservation Scheme or the Beef Data Programme. It is presumed...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Farm Inspections (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: Every EU Member State, including Ireland, is subject to EU audits to ensure that all scheme applicants meet the requirements of both governing EU legislation and scheme Terms and Conditions. Following such audits Member States are issued with a letter of findings as required by regulation. This letter highlights the findings of the audit and requests the comments and observations of the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Appeals (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: The Agriculture Appeals Office received 334 Single Farm Payment penalty appeals in 2014. To date, 9 appeals have been allowed, 29 appeals partially allowed and 122 appeals disallowed. 78 appeals were revised by the Department some times after significant involvement with the Appeals Office. 44 appeals were not valid, out of time, or withdrawn. 52 appeals are ongoing.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: The Agriculture Appeals Office received 29 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme penalty appeals in 2014. To date one appeal has been allowed, 11 appeals disallowed, four appeals have been revised by the Department, seven appeals were not valid, out of time or withdrawn, and six appeals are ongoing.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Appeals (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: My Department, in the context of the delivery of the Direct Payments Scheme and other area-based schemes, must ensure that all applicants meet the requirements of the applicable EU governing legislation. Applicants must ensure that scheme application forms are submitted within prescribed deadlines, that the land declared for aid is eligible and that ineligible features have been excluded,...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: My Department, in the context of the delivery of the Direct Payments Scheme and other area-based schemes, must ensure that all applicants meet the requirements of the applicable EU governing legislation. Applicants must ensure that scheme application forms are submitted within prescribed deadlines, that the land declared for aid is eligible and that ineligible features have been excluded,...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Basic Payment Scheme Eligibility (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 to 107, inclusive, together. Under the provisions of the Basic Payment Scheme, farmers need to declare an eligible hectare for each payment entitlement held in order to benefit from payment. The hectares declared must be eligible and must have an agricultural activity carried out on them. The situation in Ireland has not changed since the Single...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Basic Payment Scheme Eligibility (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: Under the provisions of the Basic Payment Scheme, farmers need to declare an eligible hectare for each payment entitlement held in order to benefit from payment. The hectares declared must be eligible and must have an agricultural activity carried out on them. The situation in Ireland has not changed since the Single Payment Scheme was replaced by the Basic Payment Scheme at the beginning of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Personnel (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: The 2000 White Paper on Defence and the earlier Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan both identified the requirement to address the age profile in the Defence Forces. A key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. This requirement must be balanced with the need to retain experience and expertise, particularly at managerial...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Military Honours (16 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: There are currently two medals, under the provisions of Defence Force Regulations A.9 (New Series) – Dress and Medals, that mark the service of personnel with either the Permanent Defence Force or the Reserve Defence Force. The medal known as “The Service Medal” may be awarded to an officer, non-commissioned officer or private of the Permanent Defence Force, or a member...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ash Dieback Threat (21 Apr 2015)

Simon Coveney: To date approximately 693 hectares of ash forestry plantations have been cleared and replanted with alternative species. A high proportion of the area cleared are plantations which were associated with infected imported batches but which were not necessarily infected. These associated plantations were destroyed on a precautionary basis. This work involved the uprooting and deep burial of...