Results 34,681-34,700 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Bovine Disease Controls: Bovine Disease Controls (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: While the criminal prosecution mounted by my Department was not successful, the Department is satisfied that there was substantial evidence that the test was interfered with. Therefore such action was considered to be a "Flagrant Breach" as set out under the terms and conditions of the scheme, which are outlined in the Information Booklet provided to herdowner at the time of restriction....

Written Answers — Stocking Densities: Stocking Densities (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: The Terms and Conditions governing the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme require that applicants must have reached a minimum stocking density in 2011 of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare declared. However, specific provision is being made for those farmers who did not meet these requirements, where a lower stocking density was as a result of adherence to an agri-environmental measure, such...

Written Answers — Dairy Sector: Dairy Sector (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: The 2008 CAP 'Health Check' review agreed to the abolition of milk quotas in 2015, and provided for a smooth transition by increasing quota for all Member States in the remaining years. Under those arrangements Ireland will have received an additional 9.3% in quota between 2007 and 2014. However for some countries, including Ireland, these quota increases are insufficient to accommodate...

Written Answers — Aquaculture Licences: Aquaculture Licences (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table. Year licence granted Location No. of licences 2008 Valentia, Co. Kerry. 1 2009 Bantry Bay, Co. Cork. 2 2009 Trawenagh Bay, Co. Donegal 1 2009 Kilkerley. Co. Louth. 1 2009 Saula Bay. Co. Mayo. 1 2009 Ventry Harbour, Co. Kerry. 1 2011 Achill Sound, Co. Mayo. 1 2011 Bantry Bay, Co. Cork. 4 2011 Oysterhaven,...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: Since March 2011 vacancies on the Boards of the State Bodies that fall under my Department's remit are listed on my Department's website and expressions of interest sought. In the case of a number of bodies, the board appointments, while made by me, are not at my sole discretion and, instead, individuals are nominated for appointment by me by various organisations as specified in the...

Written Answers — Agri-Environment Options Scheme: Agri-Environment Options Scheme (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: The person named has been informed in writing that he was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 September 2011. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check of all applications, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed...

Written Answers — Beef Exports: Beef Exports (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: The Deputy will be aware that the issue of beef access for Irish beef on the US market is a priority for me. I welcomed the publication in March by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) of their draft BSE Rule, which essentially proposes to align US BSE rules with those of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the internationally-recognised forum for developing and setting...

Written Answers — Forestry Grants: Forestry Grants (3 Jul 2012)

Simon Coveney: Because of issues relating to the removing of lands from forestry, and in order to establish the precise area due for payment, the application has been referred to the local Forestry Inspector to establish the position on the ground. Every effort will be made to expedite these enquiries so that payment of premium can be considered.

Written Answers — Fishing Communities: Fishing Communities (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine I am, and will continue to be fully supportive of all members of the Irish fishing community.

Written Answers — Marine Resources: Marine Resources (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: Marine resources cover a very broad spectrum and from a general perspective I support the view that they should be protected and managed sustainably in the interest of the Irish nation as a whole. The environmental pillar are recognised as one of the important stakeholders with an interest in the marine sector. I met the Environmental Pillar specifically on Marine issues in recent weeks and...

Written Answers — Farm Improvement Scheme: Farm Improvement Scheme (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Further documentation was required from the applicant in this case following submission of the payment claim. The examination of the additional information supplied should be completed shortly and payment will issue as soon as it has been found that all the terms and conditions of the Scheme have been complied with.

Written Answers — Farm Improvement Scheme: Farm Improvement Scheme (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Improvement Scheme. However, as the completed investments were found not to be in compliance with the technical specifications of my Department, no grant-aid has yet been paid in this case. My Department has recently been in contact with the applicant setting out the alterations which must be carried out in order to enable...

Written Answers — Sugar Industry: Sugar Industry (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: In 2011 I met with two groups who individually carried out feasibility studies into the revival of a sugar/bioethanol facility in Ireland. I stated at both meetings that I was in favour of the total abolition of the sugar quota, when the current regime ends on the 30 September 2015. I also stated at both meetings that if there is to be a new facility, that only one would be sustainable and...

Written Answers — Agri-Environment Options Scheme: Agri-Environment Options Scheme (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: I am actively considering the possibility of re-opening Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS) to allow for the submission of applications either on an amended basis from the existing scheme and/or on a limited scale, including the possibility of re-opening for applications later in the year. The full year cost of any new scheme will have to be met in 2013 and any decision to re-open AEOS...

Written Answers — Ministerial Expenditure: Ministerial Expenditure (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: Photographers are booked for the purpose of recording key events attended by Ministers, such as the launch of schemes and programmes, new initiatives and visits by inward delegations. Where possible, the Press Office uses in house photography. The policy for booking a photographer for official purposes, is that, my Departments Press Office seeks 3 quotes in advance of each photo-shoot to keep...

Written Answers — Advertising Standards: Advertising Standards (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's (BAI) review of the Children's Commercial Communication Code and the potential impact this may have on advertising of cheese. As the deputy will be aware, the BAI comes under the remit of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I have received strong representations from the dairy industry highlighting the...

Written Answers — Disadvantaged Areas Scheme: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: The purpose of the changes announced to the 2012 Terms and Conditions of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is to achieve the required savings, prompted by the budgeted expenditure under the 2012 Scheme being reduced to from €220 million to €190 million. However, in order to make these savings, it is proposed to make technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria, rather than simply apply an...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: In accordance with the Government's decision in 2011, I invite expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies operating under the aegis of my Department. In making any board appointments, I am not necessarily confined to those who make such expressions of interest but will ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant mix of knowledge...

Written Answers — Food Exports: Food Exports (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: The food and beverage sectors operate in a global marketplace where volatility has become more prevalent in recent years. Over the last two years, the value of Irish food and drink exports has increased by €1.8 billion or 25%, according to Bord Bia due to high global market prices and also increased demand both in previously existing and in new markets. Factors influencing exports from...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (28 Jun 2012)

Simon Coveney: Sick leave policy for the Civil Service is determined centrally by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). Sick leave in my Department is managed and reported on as directed by Circular 09/2010 'Management of Sick Leave', as issued by DPER on 30th July 2010. Sick leave entitlements of staff in my Department are the same as those that apply across the Civil Service generally...