Results 661-680 of 5,311 for speaker:Tom Hayes

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

Tom Hayes: I want to clarify and assure the Deputy that we will fight tooth and nail. The Deputy need not be under any illusion about that. We will make sure that no stone is left unturned in trying to achieve the best result for Irish farmers. We should all unite in trying to do the best job for farmers rather than try to be divided. Nobody wants to see a country such as Ireland, which has done its...

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

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

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: The bottom line is that it suits the Opposition to say the Minister is not doing a good job. One should consider the context of what he has achieved, including the price of milk and the fact that dairy products are doing really well right across Europe and elsewhere on the world stage. Beef prices have decreased. I saw at first hand only last week that cattle in the marts around my county...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: High-Nature-Value Farming (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: High nature value, HNV, farming is farming that supports the objective of having highly diverse species and habitats and maintains bio-diversity in the agricultural landscape. Under the rural development programme, RDP, currently being finalised by my Department, I am proposing to support HNV farming specifically and biodiversity in general through a number of measures. In the draft...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: High-Nature-Value Farming (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: The Deputy and the joint committee were briefed on it. The Deputy's points were well made and they were illustrated at the meeting last night. While no definite decision has been made, I will certainly take those points on board.

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

Tom Hayes: The issue of land eligibility is particularly crucial in the context of the various area-based schemes operated by my Department. The Deputy will be fully aware of the value of these EU-funded direct payment schemes to Ireland, with Irish farmers benefiting annually from funding of over €1.5 billion under schemes such as the single farm payment scheme, the disadvantaged areas scheme,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: Why did the Deputy ask the question then? The reality is that live exports are taking place and the Government and Department will do everything they can to facilitate that and encourage the export of more cattle. This is why the Minister is constantly out of the country promoting live exports and Irish beef.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: In respect of grading, I accept that farmers are very concerned. I presume the Deputy was in Grange yesterday?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: Thousands of farmers assembled in Grange yesterday where the topic was discussed. Certainly, it is something that will come up at the round table discussions. This is why these discussions were put in place. I know the Minister is extremely concerned about this. We will get that on the agenda to see what can be done in the future. People, particularly producers, want to produce a better...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: As the Deputy is aware, my Department attaches considerable importance to the live export trade and over the years has been very active in facilitating shipments abroad. Live exports serve a dual purpose as a means of satisfying legitimate market demands for live animals and providing alternative market outlets for farmers. I do not accept that the trade in live exports to the UK and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I assure the Deputy that the Minister's door has been open at all times for farming organisations to come in and discuss any issue that concerns them. The Deputy referred to the groups protesting last night. Across the road at 7.30 p.m., the Minister met a group of farmers who were picketing on Tuesday. He is always available. He consistently works long hours trying to help develop Irish...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I wish to apologise for the absence of the Minister, Deputy Coveney, who is doing important work with Tom Vilsack, US Secretary of Agriculture. What the Minister is doing is trying to gain access for Irish beef to the American market. On Tuesday, we had a Chinese delegation here and the Minister's meeting on Tuesday and today's meeting with Tom Vilsack are significant for the beef sector. I...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Beef Industry (19 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: In regard to the Minister's absence, it is hugely important for the Minister for Agriculture and Food to meet the most important man not only in America, but in the world. We are trying to get access to the US market for our beef. That is where the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is today and it is vital he is there. I am quite capable of answering any of the Deputy's questions. That is the...

Order of Business (11 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I wonder why.

Local and Community Development Programmes: Motion [Private Members] (4 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: If Deputy McGrath did not rape the country like he did-----

Local and Community Development Programmes: Motion [Private Members] (4 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: -----and back up Bertie Ahern week in and week out; he ran him-----

Local and Community Development Programmes: Motion [Private Members] (4 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: -----left, right and centre. He licked Bertie Ahern and ran after him. He was a supporter of his yet he stands up.

Local and Community Development Programmes: Motion [Private Members] (4 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: He supported him.

Local and Community Development Programmes: Motion [Private Members] (4 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: I must say this. Deputy McGrath talks rubbish. He is a man who backed Bertie Ahern.

Local and Community Development Programmes: Motion [Private Members] (4 Jun 2014)

Tom Hayes: Bertie Ahern was his saviour.