Results 26,121-26,140 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Departmental Staff Data (25 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: No staff from my Department in County Galway transferred to Government Departments in County Mayo or County Sligo to date this year. In 2013, however, 4 clerical staff from my Department’s offices in Galway transferred on a temporary basisto Claremorris, County Mayo.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Administration (25 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: In order to receive full payment under the Single Payment Scheme an eligible hectare must be declared for each entitlement held by the farmer as set out in Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009. Consolidation of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme was also introduced in 2005 under this regulation. Consolidation (stacking) of entitlements means that in certain circumstances a farmer may...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: National Milk Agency (25 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The Milk (Regulation of Supply) Act, 1994, allows for the appointment by the Minister of ordinary members of the board of the National Milk Agency nominated by processor, distributor, retail and consumer interests. There is currently one retail sector representative on the board and this has been the practice since the establishment of the Agency. The National Milk Agency (Members)...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Departmental Correspondence (25 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: Due to inadvertent oversight the appeal of the person named to which the Deputy refers was not replied to, an official of my Department contacted the person named directly, this morning, to explain the position and apologise for the oversight. A letter, formally replying to the enquiry, will issue to the person named without further delay. The issue under appeal relates to the removal of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Army Barracks Closures (25 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The former Columb Barracks in Mullingar is currently used by Westmeath GAA Board under a short term licence and it is hoped to put a long term arrangement in place with the Board for the use of the barracks over the coming weeks. 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...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Recruitment (25 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The 2014 Cadetship Competition for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service has been conducted and 39 Cadetships are being awarded, comprising of 20 Army to include 2 Equitation School, 9 Air Corps and 10 Naval Service Cadetships. The intake of Cadets into the Permanent Defence Force is normally carried out on an annual basis taking into consideration the operational requirements of the Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fishing Vessel Licences (24 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the very unfortunate situation of the person in question and I am very sympathetic to his plight. However, the safety of fishing vessels, including matters relating to stability, is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. My Department has no function in safety matters, other than that the Sea Fishing Boat Licensing...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Sector (24 Sep 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 engagement of property advisors, are the responsibility of the company. Coillte has, however, advised that it uses a panel of approximately 80 auctioneers, valuers and estate agents across the country to offer advice on sales, conduct commercial...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Land Parcel Identification System (24 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: As advised, the areas declared by the person named were reviewed as part of the comprehensive review of all land parcel data maintained on my Department’s Land Parcel Identification System and over-claims totalling 1.92 hectares were identified, which represented in excess of 20% of the area declared by the person named in each of the years 2009 to 2012, inclusive. While the total...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Grants (24 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The new draft forestry programme covering the period 2014 – 2020 is currently undergoing a second round of consultation. Written submissions can be submitted up to the 13thOctober 2014. Further details are available on the Departments website The process of drafting this new programme included a detailed review of existing grant rates which involved submissions from various...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: GLAS Scheme Payments (24 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The new GLAS Scheme is currently with the European Commission for approval, as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020. Once such approval is granted, my Department will move to open the Scheme for applications. I would hope to be able to do so before the end of the year, but this is entirely dependent on approval being secured in time from the EU. However, I am...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Welfare (24 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is sufficiently robust to deal with alleged cases of unnecessary suffering to an animal, including the recent case reported in the media. Such instances should be reported promptly to An Garda Síochána or to my Department’s Animal Welfare Helpline 0761 064408 for follow up action.

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: GLAS Scheme Establishment (24 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The new GLAS Scheme is currently with the European Commission for approval, as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020. Once such approval is granted, my Department will move to open the Scheme for applications. I would hope to be able to do so before the end of the year, but this is entirely dependent on approval being secured in time from the EU. However, I am confident...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme Expenditure (24 Sep 2014)

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 initial stages:- (i) dairy equipment, (ii) low emission spreading equipment, (iii) animal welfare and farm safety (specifically beef and sheep handling facilities), (iv) pig and...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Departmental Expenditure (24 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The 2015 Estimate for my Department will be considered within the context of the annual gross expenditure ceilings that were provisionally allocated to all Departments at the time of budget 2014 and the comprehensive review of expenditure 2015 - 2017. The Government decision in relation to the expenditure ceilings was taken in order to strike a balance between needs and priorities on a...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Departmental Expenditure (24 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: The TB Eradication Scheme currently embodies a comprehensive range of measures for farmers who experience a disease breakdown, specifically, compensation for loss of reactors at market value, as well as other targeted income supports. The primary compensation measure available under the TB Eradication scheme is the On Farm Market Valuation scheme. In 2013, my Department paid €10.5m to...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Beef Industry (24 Sep 2014)

Simon Coveney: I can assure the Deputy that I am fully aware of the difficulties currently being experienced by beef farmers throughout the country. 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. While of course I cannot influence prices or commercial...

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.

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. ...