Results 29,041-29,060 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Common Agricultural Policy Reform (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: We are in a process and, before the end of the year, as I have said repeatedly, we will provide full clarity concerning the pillar 1 and pillar 2 payments. Pillar 1 is more straightforward and I have outlined my views on it many times. Some issues need to be decided upon, including whether we introduce a level of coupling, whether to transfer money between pillars, and the levels of support...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Common Agricultural Policy Reform (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: I am not sure how long I have to answer these questions. The Deputy has asked four or five questions that require detailed answers. Let me start with the last one.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Common Agricultural Policy Reform (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: We have had the debate on variable versus flat rate greening. My view on this, for which I campaigned at European level, is that a country should have the option for what is called variable greening. In my view, that will ensure all farmers will have the same incentive to implement the greening requirements.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Common Agricultural Policy Reform (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: It is not the first time the Deputy has heard it.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Common Agricultural Policy Reform (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: It is the same percentage incentive.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Common Agricultural Policy Reform (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: If the Deputy wants to keep talking we will run out of time, but if he wants to listen to the answer I will give it to him.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Common Agricultural Policy Reform (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: The European Commission refers to what is called a 30:30 greening obligation on farmers. That means that 30% of pillar 2 moneys will be guaranteed to be spent on environmental schemes, and 30% of a farmer's payment will be withheld unless he or she passes the greening criteria. If somebody is on €400 or €500 per hectare versus someone on €150 per hectare, one needs the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Common Agricultural Policy Reform (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: Farmers know the consequences of the MFF, as we have been very upfront and transparent about it. The Deputy is repeating negative messages to try to upset people. The MFF negotiations were a significant success. We limited the reductions in direct payments to about 3%. Two years ago, people were talking about reductions of 30%, so the Taoiseach did a great job in protecting Common...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Common Agricultural Policy Reform (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: I cannot give figures on pillar 2 because we have not yet decided on that. It is not my decision alone. It is my decision along with the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and their Departments. We need to put expenditure in place for the next three years and I need an expenditure commitment for the next seven years. I assure the Deputy that I will be...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Sugar Industry (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: No one would be happier than me to see the sugar industry back in Ireland again. I have delivered many tractor-loads of sugar beet into what was a viable and profitable beet factory in Mallow. I have produced beet and have a reasonable understanding of that industry. Along with many others, I was sceptical and critical of how that industry ended in Ireland. I do not believe the question of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: I will not rise to the bait to create some kind of political-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: First of all, this question should really have been directed to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: Grid 25 represents a more than €3 billion investment programme to develop and upgrade the electricity transmission network across the country. Of course this will involve a network crossing rural areas. We already have a considerable electricity network crossing farmland all over the country without any significant negative consequence of which I am aware. Perhaps the Deputy can...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: We need to provide sufficient information and supporting evidence to reassure people, but I do not accept that putting electricity infrastructure around the country, thereby improving our grid, a move from which everyone will benefit in terms of energy prices, as this is not just a question of big and small business-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: It is a question of putting a modern electricity infrastructure across the country so that we can do what me must in terms of renewables and move electricity around the country. We need to do this properly, which is EirGrid's statutory obligation.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: This is not about big and small business.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: This is about trying to put modern infrastructure in place-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: -----that everyone will benefit from in terms of more affordable electricity and a more efficient mechanism for transporting energy around the country. It will also allow us to put new types of energy generation in place in parts of the country. We are in the middle of a process, but the Deputy is suggesting that I-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: -----get involved in that process. We have a State-owned company, EirGrid, the responsibility of which is to roll out infrastructure across the country. As part of that, it is going through a legal process involving planning applications and public consultation. This process will take its course. EirGrid is obliged to put infrastructure in place in a way that is responsible, takes account...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (14 Nov 2013)

Simon Coveney: When I was in opposition, I was involved in this debate. We did not promise to put everything underground.