Results 37,521-37,540 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Raw Milk Sales: Raw Milk Sales (12 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: The reason for maintaining a ban on the sale of raw milk for human consumption is to protect public health. This is based on strong advice from both food safety and public health professionals. There have been very serious health issues associated with the drinking of raw milk in Ireland and in a number of other countries. The introduction of S.I. No. 910 of 2005 to implement the EU Food and...

Written Answers — Food Safety Standards: Food Safety Standards (7 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: The reason for maintaining a ban on the sale of raw milk for human consumption is to protect public health. This is based on strong advice from both food safety and public health professionals. There have been very serious health issues associated with the drinking of raw milk in Ireland and in a number of other countries. The introduction of S.I. No. 910 of 2005 to implement the EU Food...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (7 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: The person named commenced REPS 4 in May 2009 and has received full payment in respect of year 1. A discrepancy relating to the LINNET and Orchard Supplementary measures under the REPS plan was discovered during a check between the applicant's Single Payment Scheme application and the REPS application. My officials are currently investigating this discrepancy and will in touch with the...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (7 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: The person named commenced REPS 4 in August 2009 and has received full payment in respect of year 1. The advance payment of 75% totalling €4,076.58 issued on 20 June 2011. Payment of the final 25% cannot be made until all outstanding checks are finalised and compliance with the scheme conditions has been fully established. Payment will issue at the earliest possible date once all checks...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (7 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: Since taking office, I have focused on developing and deepening our trade links and levels of cooperation with China, which is the world's fourth largest food importer and the fifth largest exporter of agriculture produce. With a population of 1.3 billion and with increasing urbanisation and affluence, China offers the Irish agri-food and fisheries sector enormous potential in the future and...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (7 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: The person named retired on ill-health grounds and is in receipt of a pension under the Pension Scheme for Non Established State Employees. At retirement his pension was integrated with (i.e. reduced to take account of) the appropriate rate of Illness Benefit payable by the Department of Social Protection. Under the terms of the Pension Scheme, his occupational pension fell to be...

Written Answers — Afforestation Programme: Afforestation Programme (7 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: Coillte Teoranta was established as a private company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as planting for private landowners, is the responsibility of the company. Coillte has advised, however, that it will contact the persons concerned directly on this matter.

Written Answers — Aquaculture Licences: Aquaculture Licences (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: There are a number of complex policy issues associated with the proposed management agreement which are under active examination by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other Government Departments. This process is ongoing and every effort is being made to bring it to a conclusion as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: Under the terms of the Dairy Equipment Scheme, successful applicants will have two years from the date of issue of approval to complete the investment works concerned. The Deputy will be aware that it is a standard condition of all on-farm investment schemes that work must not have commenced prior to the issue of written approval by my Department.

Written Answers — Food Exports: Food Exports (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 141 together. As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, I am committed to promoting quality Irish food. Ireland now exports food, drink and horticulture products to over 170 countries and Bord Bia, which is under my remit, has developed activities and services for companies focusing on the following strategic priorities: Promoting Ireland –...

Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: I am fully committed to promoting quality Irish food at every opportunity both at home and abroad through actions of my Department and those of the State Bodies which come under my remit. The Deputy will be aware of the constraints that are applicable under EU rules, in that public funds may not be used to advertise primarily on the basis of origin. In terms of developing new outlets, I am...

Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: I thank everybody for his or her support. I acknowledge that this is not the ideal way to steer legislation through the House which normally would take more time. There would be a time period between the different Stages to allow Members to bring forward amendments and make suggestions for change, although this is amending legislation that is short and sharp and it is unlikely amendments...

Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: If Members have specific issues or concerns, they should put them to me, either in writing or verbally, and I will try to answer them. I thank everybody for his or her understanding of the way in which we have brought the Bill before the House and, obviously, for his or her support for it.

Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad] : Committee and Remaining Stages (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: Yes, it is legally required. It is somewhat like An Bord Pleanála. It has been on ice in recent years because there has been no aquaculture licensing process, but we have kept the structure in place. Now that we will get live applications, the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board, ALAB, will be in operation.

Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad] : Committee and Remaining Stages (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: The straight answer to the question is yes. In the past, we had no satisfactory system and, let us be honest, as a result there is a good deal of aquaculture activity out of licence at present. We must regularise it and this is why we are putting in place the process to make it happen. As a result of the case taken against Ireland, the Commission decided to require that we put in place a...

Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." This Bill is being enacted for the benefit of all foreshore matters currently dealt with by my Department and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. It is bringing greater clarity to the operation of the existing administrative functions of the two Departments in this area. It is hoped this will facilitate the...

Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: I was not referring to the existing ones.

Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: Thanks.

Seanad: Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: I will address the questions raised as accurately as possible. If I miss any, Senators should feel free to interrupt me to seek clarity. I will first respond to Senator Ó Domhnaill, who comes from a constituency that has an enormous interest in fishing. In fact, the economic survival of many of the communities he represents is dependent on fishing and the development of the port...

Seanad: Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee and Remaining Stages (6 Jul 2011)

Simon Coveney: I recognise this is not the ideal way to bring legislation through and, under normal circumstances, more time would be provided and consideration given to this. I acknowledge party spokespersons were offered a full briefing and given copies of the legislation last Monday. However, this is a short, technical Bill that does not require lengthy consideration or amendment and that is why I was...