Results 641-660 of 11,258 for speaker:Séamus Kirk

Other Questions: Sugar Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: If there is potential to rebuild and regenerate the sugar industry in Ireland then clearly steps should be taken to do so. As the Minister has said, at least one feasibility study has been carried out-----

Other Questions: Sugar Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Have those feasibility studies been made available to the Minister?

Other Questions: Sugar Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Have the studies been assessed by those who are dealing with the possibility of regenerating the sugar industry and if so, what does the assessment indicate? Is there a potential for the industry, provided certain things happen and if they do not happen, what is the position? What is our competitive position vis-à-vis other sugar producing countries across the EU?

Other Questions: Coillte Teoranta Lands (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Are we to deduce from what the Minister has said that no decision has been taken yet as to what will happen with Coillte? I assume that the decision on selling it has not been taken and that the process of assessment is continuing. I ask the Minister to clarify that issue.

Other Questions: Coillte Teoranta Lands (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: The sale of immature timber will have profound implications for the saw milling sector, which employs a significant number despite the recession. I understand the downturn in the economy has had a minimal effect on the numbers employed in the sector thanks to the flexibility of both employers and employees. I ask the Minister for his assurance that the employment prospects and long-term...

Other Questions: Age Profile in the Farming Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: They have accumulated experience.

Other Questions: Age Profile in the Farming Industry (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Does the Minister agree that we need to develop a public policy position which would also involve Revenue and other Departments? The prospects for young farmers having access to land other than by leasing arrangements are limited and unless they win the lotto or inherit large sums of money, they are often unable to buy the sort of acreage that would rapidly create a viable holding. Does the...

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Despite the Minister's protestations, the reality is that the budgetary provision for the scheme is going downhill. Once he starts to reduce the funds available-----

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: The fund is being reduced from €18 million to €14 million.

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: I take it there has been an assessment of expenditure under the scheme by the Department. What has been the result of that assessment? Has the expenditure been justified? Obviously, the Minister has decided to change direction. Should there be a continuation of the financial support provided under the original scheme?

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Can the Minister tell us the number of suckler cows in the national herd? What is the position at the moment? What was it in each of the last three years? What is the trend?

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: I would like to make a brief point about the scheduling of Question Time, particularly on Thursdays.

Other Questions: Sheep Grassland Scheme (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: I will be brief. The questions we have been discussing this evening relate to what is probably the most important industry in the country. I do not have a problem with being here after 8 p.m. If some of the earlier business had not finished ahead of schedule, however, Question Time would not have started yet. It was not due to start until 8.45 p.m. I assure the Minister that I am not...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Common Fisheries Policy Negotiations (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date on the renegotiation of the common fisheries policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55982/12]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Suckler Welfare Scheme Extension (13 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the changes made to the suckler cow welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55965/12]

Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Fianna Fáil is opposed to the Bill and the provisions it contains. Budget 2013 places a deeply unfair financial burden on countless families throughout the country. It will whittle away the social safety net until only a bare thread remains. Mothers in particular are being unfairly targeted by the cuts, one of which will result in child benefit being hammered, workers are being hit by...

Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: Carers play a vital role in supporting those who need constant help. The contribution of carers to the economy has almost doubled since the level of that contribution was estimated at €2.5 billion in 2006. Carers engage in some 900,000 hours of caring every day. In financial terms, this amounts to €77 million per week. The overall amount involved in this regard is equivalent...

Other Questions: European Council Meetings (12 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: To ask the Minister for Defence the agenda for the recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council with Ministers of Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54792/12]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Yield (11 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: To ask the Minister for Finance the amount of VAT and excise duty collected on agricultural diesel for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55315/12]

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Government Reform (4 Dec 2012)

Séamus Kirk: To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the timeframe for legislation for the implementation of Putting People First; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54192/12]