Results 2,781-2,800 of 18,593 for speaker:Michael Creed

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Knackery Industry (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: They perform a really critical function in the operation of the broader agrifood sector. There is a specific focus on their activities and the legality around their dealing with the putting down and disposal of greyhounds. Insofar as there may be shortcomings in our regulations and a requirement to prosecute where there are breaches of the law, the Department is considering all those...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Beef Industry (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 50, 53, 56, 62, 81, 83, 87 and 88 together. I am keenly aware that the past few months have been very challenging for beef farmers in particular, following a difficult year for farm incomes in 2018 due to weather conditions. There was a prolonged and exceptional period of depressed prices lasting from autumn 2018 to spring 2019, with the ongoing...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Beef Data and Genomics Programme (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: We need to be careful because we want to encourage farmers to avail of schemes such as this. The Deputy seems to be intent on talking down the achievements of the scheme, although I am not saying it is perfect, but we can learn from its imperfections when putting together its next iteration. The savings will be modest. The number of participants in the scheme has decreased from just over...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Trade Agreements (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: I appreciate that we had an discussion on this matter yesterday and I am sure we will have more engagements on it after Question Time. Such debates reflect the significance of the issue. On the evening of Friday, 28 June, the European Commission announced that political agreement had been reached on a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur countries. As a small open economy,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Trade Agreements (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: The Deputy will not find me defending the indefensible. I have stated my view clearly. I have a responsibility to use the time available to us following the announcement of a headline agreement between the European Commission and Mercosur states to ensure everything is done to frustrate and mitigate, dismantle the ambition and protect the interests of the Ibeef sector. As I said, the deal...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Trade Agreements (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: The Deputy might be throwing in the towel, but I am not. I appreciate the context his experience at European level lends to his views, but we can try to find common cause. I understand why the Deputy is focusing from a political perspective on the Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner, but there is also a Trade Commissioner. The Deputy's extensive contacts in Europe may be of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: My objective has always been to provide the maximum level of support to Irish beef farmers. My track record, whether on additional payments under areas of natural constraint, the beef environmental scheme or the beef data genomics scheme, speaks for itself. It is a particularly income-challenged sector. While we cannot intervene on the price paid for commodities to farmers, we have some...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: The how will be in consultation with farm organisations. That will take place in the coming days and will be subject to approval by the Commission. The ambition will be to pay in 2019 at the earliest possible date. The funding is €50 million from the European Union and I have committed to match that funding from the Exchequer. The terms and conditions are what they are. I am...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: I answered it. There is a commitment to pay the €50 million.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: Yes. Do not worry.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Beef Data and Genomics Programme (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: I thank the Deputy. BDGP I and BDGP II commenced in 2015 and 2017, respectively, and both will run for six years. They represent a significant commitment for participating farmers over the duration of the programmes. The number of active participants in BDGP I and II fluctuates on an ongoing basis as a result of participants withdrawing or being disqualified for non–compliance from...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Beef Data and Genomics Programme (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: This is a very important scheme, albeit it may not be perfect. Unfortunately, only approximately one in three suckler farmers are in the scheme. Nevertheless, the data from the programme are showing real progress. In participating herds, calving interval days have been reduced by 20 days. That is a significant efficiency. The number of calves per cow in programme herds has increased...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: I am keenly aware that the past few months have been very challenging for beef farmers in particular following a difficult year for farm incomes in 2018 arising from weather conditions and price challenges. There was a prolonged and exceptional period of depressed prices lasting from autumn 2018 to spring 2019, with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the outcome of Brexit, among other...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Beef Industry (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Agriculture, I have no role in determining prices for any commodity nor can I intervene in the same. The Beef Sector is an important element of the Irish economy and I am conscious of the importance that this key sector plays in rural Ireland. I am keenly aware that the past few months have been very challenging for beef farmers in...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agrifood Sector (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is  a constant and central component of the strategic development of the industry, as evidenced by its placement at the heart of Food Wise 2025. It is particularly important given the need to diversify our markets and reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.   ...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Climate Change Adaptation Plans (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: The All-of-Government Plan to tackle climate breakdown sets out a series of step-up measures and underpinning actions and proposed targets for all sectors including the agriculture, forestry and land use sector. The plan identifies 34 actions for the agriculture sector that will contribute to our transition to a low carbon economy and society across abatement measures,...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agrifood Sector (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: I have introduced a number of supports to assist the agri-food sector in preparing to address the challenges posed by Brexit.  These include: -the €300 million Brexit Loan Scheme for Brexit-impacted SMEs and mid-cap businesses. The funding arrangements ensure that at least 40% of the fund is available to food businesses. Up to 14 June 2019, 585...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agriculture Industry (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: While Ireland has what is internationally recognised as one of the most carbon efficient systems of food production in the EU, there are inherent challenges in reducing emissions in the sector. However, while agriculture is contributing to emissions, it is also part of the solution. The Teagasc Sustainability Survey shows that the top performing third of farms emitted, on...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Trade Agreements (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: On the evening of Friday 28 June, the European Commission announced that political agreement has been reached on a trade deal between the EU and Mercosur countries. While as a small, open economy, Ireland is supportive of international trade deals, I am very concerned at the potential impact of elements of this particular deal on the beef sector.   The...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Appeals (3 Jul 2019)

Michael Creed: Under the current Rural Development Regulation (and subsequent amendments under the Omnibus Regulation), Member States  were required to change the approach to the designation of land under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme.  Previously, my Department had been identifying eligible areas using a range of socio-economic indicators such as family farm income, population density,...