Results 341-360 of 2,969 for speaker:Martin Heydon

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Brexit Issues (14 Jul 2022)

Martin Heydon: We long for the days when Brexit was the biggest challenge we faced. It was, and continues to be, a big challenge. We have to be aware of the medium-term challenges from the fallout from Brexit, particularly in the agri-food sector. The Deputy will be aware that the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, TCA, maintained tariff-free access for all goods traded between the UK and the EU....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ukraine War (14 Jul 2022)

Martin Heydon: It is important that the point raised by Deputy Griffin and its impact are discussed in the House. I should point out that there are sufficient supplies of animal feed at present and importers are actively competing on the global market to ensure that supply continues uninterrupted. Animal feed stocks and imports are being monitored on a regular basis by my Department. What Deputy Griffin...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ukraine War (14 Jul 2022)

Martin Heydon: Regarding green diesel, the interventions the Government has made to date have seen all excise duty removed from green diesel, in line with changes to ordinary petrol and diesel excise where there have been record removals in those areas as well. The targeted measures I mentioned will help Irish farmers at a time of escalating costs and build resilience against the expected impact of the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ukraine War (14 Jul 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank Deputy Griffin for raising a really important point. I completely agree that the humanitarian crisis will always take priority in terms of our view of this matter. As the Deputy outlined, there are also significant implications, which we are seeing across all sectors, including the agrifood sector, from Russia's illegal and awful war in Ukraine. We need to take the necessary steps...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Horse Racing Industry (14 Jul 2022)

Martin Heydon: Smaller racecourses have gained from being aligned with the larger racecourses and this has enhanced their value. Media rights agreements are subject to approval by HRI and the 26 racecourses involved. While I take on board the points the Deputy has raised and am happy to discuss it today, racecourses also contribute an element of their sponsorship income to prize money with bigger...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Horse Racing Industry (14 Jul 2022)

Martin Heydon: I take on board the Deputy's points and I am happy to go through this in more detail in time. As I outlined in my response, 23 of the 26 tracks have benefited from capital grants for infrastructure work.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Horse Racing Industry (14 Jul 2022)

Martin Heydon: It was 40% of the capital infrastructure. There is no doubt that smaller tracks are benefiting from being part of a larger scheme. Where is the great value in terms of media rights when media organisations are looking to buy? The larger race days will attract the highest value. It makes sense that the smaller tracks, which have days that are very important to their local communities but...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Horse Racing Industry (14 Jul 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Aquaculture Industry (6 Jul 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Senator for raising this issue. I know it is of great importance to those in coastal regions. As he will be aware, the Department considers applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, to which he referred, the Foreshore Act 1933 and applicable national and EU legislation. There are a number of statutory...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Aquaculture Industry (6 Jul 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Senator for highlighting those specific points. He makes a valid point. Notwithstanding all the timelines I outlined, he pointed to an understandable concern among local communities. If a process is taking as long to come through as the one in Kinsale to which he referred, the community would be justified in feeling frustrated. As he stated, it is important to keep the focus...

Emissions in the Transport Sector Report: Motion (16 Jun 2022)

Martin Heydon: Deputy McNamara proves that with the best of good intentions, it is difficult for us to control our emissions and to keep them in check as much as we would like. I respectfully disagree with his point about the report being finito as soon as it has been compiled. In my opening address, I clearly outlined the progress made since the report's publication and how it is very much a living...

Emissions in the Transport Sector Report: Motion (16 Jun 2022)

Martin Heydon: The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications sends his apologies as he is unable to be with us today. On his behalf, I wish to thank and express an appreciation to Deputy Leddin, members of the committee and the various stakeholders who met with the committee, for their work and leadership in developing this comprehensive report. This report is an important distillation of...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Flood Risk Management (16 Jun 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Deputies for raising those specific points, which I will bring to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, and our colleagues in government. Be it a multi-agency task force or a co-ordinated national strategy, I will take the Deputies' suggestions on board. This Topical Issue matter was directed to the OPW and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan's office. As I outlined,...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Flood Risk Management (16 Jun 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Deputies for raising a very important issue. I have had engagement with people who live in Lough Funshinagh and the surrounding areas. I know the stress and strain that is on all the families in that local community. I am taking this Topical Issue matter on behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, OPW, Deputy O’Donovan. He...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Departmental Policies (26 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The recent publication of the European Commission's communication, Sustainable Carbon Cycles, has sent a clear signal to European member states on the need to increase the ambition and participation of our land managers in the area of carbon removals and reductions. Under the recently updated all-of-government Climate Action Plan 2021,...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Departmental Policies (26 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: The challenge is to have a baseline. We need to have a baseline so we can adequately market in the future the activities of farmers. Should we have been doing this earlier than recent years? Probably. If we had our baseline from five or ten years ago, we would be in a stronger position now, but that is why the investment we are undertaking now is so important. It is critical to have a...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Departmental Policies (26 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: I respectfully disagree with the suggestion the Government is sitting on its hands. We have talked about the national agricultural soil carbon observatory, which is obviously important, and the flux towers in different locations are a key component of that. These will be established through working with the Teagasc signpost programme. We also have the pilot soil sampling programme, which...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (18 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: Does everyone want to leave Cork?

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Animal Welfare (18 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank Senator Boylan for raising the matter. At the upcoming European AGRIFISH Council meeting, the Cyprus delegation will share information with Ministers regarding the establishment of a new legislative framework for an EU positive list for the keeping of companion animals, as the Senator has outlined. Officials in the Department are awaiting the detailed wording of proposal of the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Animal Welfare (18 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: The Department has a proud history in supporting the welfare of animals, whether through policy initiatives, the provision of advice and guidance, financial assistance to farmers to help them improve their facilities, and financial support to animal welfare charities. Last year we launched Ireland's first overarching animal welfare strategy, reflecting the Government's clear commitment to...