Results 36,821-36,840 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: An application under the 2011 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 2 May 2011. Following completion of the processing of the application, payment was issued to the person named on 11 October 2011.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 5 May 2011, processing of which has recently been completed, thereby allowing payment to issue in the coming days.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: The application under the Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS) for the person named was randomly selected for inspection. After this inspection, the application was processed further following the receipt of the completed record sheets from the person named. When the file was subsequently processed for payment, including cross-check with the areas declared under the Single Payment Scheme,...

Written Answers — Aquaculture Development: Aquaculture Development (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: The application in question is in the name of Bradan Fanad Teoranta t/a Marine Harvest Ireland. In accordance with standard procedures, observations have been requested by my Department in respect of the application from a range of scientific, engineering and other advisors. On receipt of all necessary observations my Department will give further consideration to the application and, if...

Written Answers — Fishing Industry: Fishing Industry (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: BIM is an independent statutory body and hence policy in relation to the public tender of the Plant at Dingle Fishery Harbour Centre is a matter for the Board. However, my Department has been advised that the Chief State Solicitors Office is at an advanced stage of finalising a lease for the ice plant premises. BIM advise that it is in a position to immediately proceed with the tender...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 4 May 2011, following processing of which over-claims on three of the parcels declared by the person named were identified. The person named was written to regarding this matter and responded on 20 October. The application is now being further processed with a view to appropriate payment issuing at an...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 29 April 2011, processing of which is now complete, thereby allowing payment to issue in the coming days.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 447 together. The maintenance of the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) is a complex matter. All issues relating to the digitising of land parcels and all other features has been carried out by an outside contractor since was established in Ireland shortly after the introduction of direct payments. The process also involves the review of aerial...

Written Answers — Animal Welfare: Animal Welfare (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: My Department has responsibility for enforcing the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations S.I. No. 311 of 2010, which give effect to a series of European Directives concerning the protection of farmed animals. The Regulations require that owners and keepers of animals take all necessary steps to ensure the welfare of animals in their possession or under their care....

Common Agricultural Policy (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: Food security in the European Union is the essence of what the new Common Agricultural Policy is about. Growing populations and increasing demand for protein-based foods, which is what we predominantly produce in Ireland through the dairy and meat industries, present a significant opportunity not only to continue, as the EU has been, to promote a sustainable way of producing food from an...

Common Agricultural Policy (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: In regard to food security within the European Union and the need to protect our capacity to produce large volumes of high-quality food in this country, there are potential threats in the context of WTO negotiations and other bilateral trade agreements which are currently on the table. For example, Mercosur, the South American trade bloc of which Brazil and Argentina are the two largest...

Common Agricultural Policy (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: I share the Deputy's concern in regard to the suckler cow herd. As the excitement grows in advance of 2015 regarding the potential of the dairy industry, there is a danger, if we are not careful, that in parts of the country where dairy has real potential the beef herd could become a by-product of the dairy herd, which is not at all what we want. Currently, half of the beef sold out of...

Agricultural Development (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: This ties in with the previous question where Deputy Durkan raised the issue of how agriculture can be a driver for economic growth within the Irish economy. On assuming office, I stated clearly that as far as I am concerned, my Department is a major economic Ministry. It can and will provide a major good news story in terms of job creation, wealth creation and economic growth in the next...

Agricultural Development (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: The Deputy is correct - there is no point in having broad aspirations about growth. That is why anybody interested in the agrifood sector should read the Food Harvest 2020 document, which is a very easy read. It is specific in the targets. It is not specific on employment because it is very difficult to calculate direct employment creation in a number of these sectors. It is easier to...

Agricultural Development (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: It is both. I do not have exact figures on the breakdown. However, the average price for beef, for example, is 15% to 18% higher than the average price last year. Even though the tonnage of beef exported has reduced slightly, the value has increased because of prices. In the case of beef it is more about an increase in the price of beef rather than an increase in volume. However, in...

Agricultural Development (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: I have some figures to hand. In the first six months of 2011, exports of pigmeat reached 84,000 tonnes, an increase 23% on last year. Lamb prices are approximately 10% higher than at this time last year and demand across key export markets is strengthening and medium-term forecast is good. Sheep supplies to date in 2011 are running 1% higher than last year. I already gave the figures for...

Agricultural Development (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: The dairy figure is very significant and makes up most of the growth we are discussing.

Control of Noxious Weeds (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together. The Noxious Weeds Act 1936 provides for the control of the spread of six noxious weeds, namely, thistle, ragwort, dock, common barberry, male wild hop plant and the wild oat. Under the Act, it is an offence not to prevent the spread of these noxious weeds. The owner, occupier, user or managers of lands on which these weeds are present are...

Control of Noxious Weeds (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: The Deputy's point is, to a certain extent, fair. While I will look at this issue again, I am keen on implementing the existing legislation rather than introducing a whole new set of regulations or primary legislation. A fine of €1,000, if enforced, will change habits. Dealing with the local authorities will, however, be more difficult because they are an arm of the State. Cutbacks in...

Dairy Sector (2 Nov 2011)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. However, I am not sure what, in the context of development of a regionally balanced dairy sector, he is looking for from me. I assume his question relates to the position post-2015, preparations being made in that regard in the context of the absence of dairy quota and a dramatic expansion of the dairy industry and how we ensure that expansion will...