Results 35,221-35,240 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (26 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The processing of the applications of the person named was fully investigated by an official of my Department, who concluded that proper procedures had been followed in all respects. The person named was notified of the outcome of this review and advised of his right of appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office, should he wish to pursue matters further. The person named subsequently chose to...

Written Answers — Aquaculture Development: Aquaculture Development (26 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: My Department's policy on sea lice controls in relation to farmed salmon is strictly evidence based. The control protocols are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced that those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons: - the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry - data obtained as a result of inspections is published...

Written Answers — Departmental Investigations: Departmental Investigations (26 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: I am not in a position to elaborate on the current investigation while it is ongoing.

Written Answers — Parliamentary Questions: Parliamentary Questions (26 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: For the period 26 October 2011 to 26 April 2012 my Department transferred 85 Parliamentary Questions with 2 Part transfers. These questions dealt with policy issues which fell within the remit of other Departments.

Written Answers — Rural Development: Rural Development (26 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The remit of my Department in the area of rural development relates to the implementation of EU common rural development policy through our Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) which is co funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Rural development policy acknowledges that many rural areas face significant challenges and the aim of the RDP is to improve the...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (25 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: No cost to the Department arises.

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (25 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The total expenditure by my Department on Ministerial drivers and Ministerial transport expenses since February 2011 to date is €254,168.08. This amount includes the salary and subsistence costs of the drivers as well as the mileage expenses and transport costs for Ministers when on official business. Expenditure relates to claims submitted which do not include recent periods.

Written Answers — Common Agricultural Policy: Common Agricultural Policy (25 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The European Commission's proposals for the reform of the CAP post-2013 include a proposal to use 2014 as a reference year for establishing entitlements to future direct payments. I am, of course, aware that this proposal, as currently formulated, could create a number of problems both in the land rental market up to 2014 and in the establishment of entitlements. Following my earlier...

Written Answers — Afforestation Programme: Afforestation Programme (25 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The felling licence, applied for by the applicant,was issued to him on 12 January 2012. It was sent to the address for correspondence specified by him on the licence application form. The application was made in August 2011 but had to be referred for observations to Forestry Inspectorate and then to the National Parks and Wildlife Service before the Forest Service could issue the licence. I...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (25 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 13 April 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance Inspection. In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (25 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: My Department does not employ external public relations companies. Public relations advice, where required is provided by my Department's Press Office. It is not possible to provide costs for this service, as the work is carried out as part of the standard duties of the staff involved.

Written Answers — Hazardous Waste Sites: Hazardous Waste Sites (25 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: I have been authorised by the Government Decisions to take responsibility for overseeing the submission of an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regularise the licensing status of the East Tip of the Ispat site in relation to the hazardous waste deposited there. In this context I established two groups. The Working Group has been established to advise and assist me...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (25 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The position with regard to this case is as outlined in reply to a question from the Deputy on 18 April 2011. The person named does not hold any single payment entitlements. He applied to transfer 24.58 entitlements by way of lease from another farmer under the 2011 single payment scheme. EU Regulations governing the scheme provide that entitlements may only be leased if accompanied by an...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (24 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The person concerned submitted an application for grant-aid under the Sheep Fencing/Handling Scheme on 16 December 2010 and was approved into the Scheme on 8 September 2011. The applicant has submitted a payment claim and payment of the grant will take place when it has been determined that all the terms and conditions of the Scheme have been complied with. These checks will be completed as...

Written Answers — Forestry Sector: Forestry Sector (24 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The consideration of this application, which was received in November 2011, is nearing completion and it is intended to issue a decision shortly.

Written Answers — Fur Farming: Fur Farming (24 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: Holders of licences to keep mink are subject to conditions which include compliance with all relevant legislation concerning the environment, animal health and welfare. Licence holders are subject to regular inspection by officials from my Department to establish that they are compliant with those conditions. Mink carcasses are generally disposed of by rendering as animal by products (ABP)...

Written Answers — Disadvantaged Areas Scheme: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (24 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The changes to the rules governing the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, as outlined in the following paragraphs, have today been published by my Department. However, as these proposals have yet to be approved by the EU Commission, they may be subject to change. Terms & Conditions booklets currently being prepared and will be issued in the coming days to each individual land owner whose farm...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (24 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and full payment totalling €639.03 issued in respect of 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be...

Written Answers — Fur Farming: Fur Farming (24 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: The Review Group set up in my Department to review the issue of fur farming will shortly conclude its report. I will consider what action, if any, to take following receipt of the report.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (24 Apr 2012)

Simon Coveney: A 10-year management plan is required for this plantation before any further premium payments can be made. A template form for the management plan was sent to the applicant in 2011 and it must be completed by the applicant's forester. A duplicate form has recently been issued by the Forest Service.