Results 641-660 of 5,311 for speaker:Tom Hayes

Other Questions: Special Protection Areas Designation (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I assure Deputy O'Donovan of one thing, which is I acknowledge there is a problem. I visited the Deputy's constituency myself in the company of officials from my Department and we saw at first hand specific cases of difficulty involving people who sought to plant their land. The problem is that the blanket ban is ruining it. Last week's meeting went a long way towards resolving this...

Other Questions: Special Protection Areas Designation (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: As for afforestation, the number of acres available for forestry planting must be increased and this would go a long way towards that. I assure the Deputy that-----

Other Questions: Special Protection Areas Designation (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: First, I have no problem in meeting any of the landowners and my door is open in that regard. We had a meeting last week but the difficulty is the threat response plan is taking so long to be developed. While we were given a commitment that it would be ready by about now, it is not ready because of other issues around it. As we cannot pull it from the sky, it is to be hoped that the threat...

Other Questions: Milk Quality Assurance Scheme (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: He was there. It built up over a number of years and, as the Deputy knows, it takes time to change. I will certainly lend my weight behind young people getting those jobs. I hope that will satisfy the Deputy.

Other Questions: Beef Data Programme (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: There are a number of sources of information on the beef industry that are publically available, including information on animal births, prices, slaughter figures, carcass classification and farm income. Some of this information comes from my Department and other information from other State agencies. With regard to transparency, all information is collected, transmitted and published in...

Other Questions: Beef Data Programme (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: My Department publishes beef price information and two reports which are published weekly under the beef pricewatch banner. The first sets out average deadweight prices for cattle, which breaks down by Department-approved factory the average price paid per kilo for steers, cows, heifers and young bulls. This data should be helpful for farmers in ascertaining where they can achieve the best...

Other Questions: Beef Data Programme (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: To clarify, in relation to the animal identification and movement system, or AIMS, factory staff notify the movement of animals coming to a slaughter plant to AIMS predominantly by way of a web service application. A small number of factories use an online system or paper system. The factory staff who interact over web services and online only have tag-enquiry access to AIMS - to get the...

Other Questions: Beef Data Programme (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: These are the facts. They do not have access.

Other Questions: Beef Data Programme (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: These are the facts.

Other Questions: Fish Farming (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: The EU regulation establishing the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, or EMFF, was published on 20 May 2014. Following months of intense lobbying and negotiation, I announced on 12 June 2014 that I had secured €148 million from the fund for the period 2014 to 2020 for the development of the Irish seafood industry and the coastal communities that depend upon it. This funding is...

Other Questions: Fish Farming (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I need to give it on the specific question. I will soon discuss with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Exchequer the question of matching funding. EMFF funding will provide support for our fishing fleet to meet the challenges of the new discards ban. It will also support the development of the seafood processing sector, a sustainable aquaculture industry and the communities...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: European Fisheries Fund (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I will have further discussions on that issue. I would remind the Deputy that €8 million has already been spent on storm-damaged piers and harbours throughout the country. Obviously in the tight budgetary situation in which the country finds itself, finding money for the Deputy's specific proposals will be difficult. I cannot give the Deputy a definitive answer today but I will...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: European Fisheries Fund (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I am sure that if European funding is available, officials in the Department will seek it.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: European Fisheries Fund (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I can reassure Deputy Pringle on that point. The Deputy made the case that money was made available to farmers last year. At that time, animals throughout the country were in a very serious state. Indeed, in particular areas, there was no hay available and animals were starving. Farmers were facilitated by the importation of fodder from England and parts of France and its distribution...

Other Questions: Milk Quality Assurance Scheme (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: In 2012, the Minister announced a proposal for a new national sustainability programme for the dairy sector. This programme is a key element of Ireland’s strategy for marketing and promotion of dairy products on international markets, particularly in the context of expanded milk output following the abolition of milk quotas in April 2015. It is evident from the engagement with...

Other Questions: Milk Quality Assurance Scheme (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: As I said already, 3,500 milk producers have applied for the scheme. Milk purchasers have sent 1,020 applications to Bord Bia for auditing. Of these, almost 400 have become fully certified members of the scheme, while the remaining 620 are moving through the audit or review process ahead of the final certification decision. Approximately 11,000 information packs have issued to milk...

Other Questions: Milk Quality Assurance Scheme (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: In general it is Government policy to employ graduates, if available, for positions such as these and training is provided on the operation of the scheme. I will certainly raise the matter with Bord Bia if it is the major problem the Deputy says it is, but, historically, the case in this country has been as set out. Deputy Ó Cuív was in the Department and will have known the position.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Agriculture Schemes Penalties (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I need to continue to clarify because-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Agriculture Schemes Penalties (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I need to continue because the question-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Agriculture Schemes Penalties (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: Those comments show why I wanted to finish my answer. I wish to state clearly that I regard the proposed disallowance as being wholly disproportionate to the level of actual risk to EU funds identified following recent audits. The Deputy should note that Ireland has the right, and fully intends to avail of it, to ask for the matter to be reviewed by the EU conciliation body. This body will...