Results 7,121-7,140 of 18,593 for speaker:Michael Creed

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agriculture Scheme Administration (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Under EU regulations, 2018 is the first year that all applications for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) must be submitted online.  Recent years have seen significant growth in the number of farmers applying for the BPS online, and this is reflective of the range of benefits that online application brings for farmers. Among the benefits available of online applicants is the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Brexit Negotiations (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: As I have stated before, fisheries is, and will remain, a high priority for Ireland in the Brexit negotiations.  I am determined to ensure that fisheries remain high on the Brexit agenda in the EU and that the interests of Ireland's fishing communities are fully protected. In recent months, I have continued to have positive, regular meetings with my European colleagues, especially...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fodder Crisis (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Weather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were compounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter. To immediately address this issue I prioritised the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Sector (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, are the responsibility of the company. The company has, since its meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on 12 December, provided my Department with general briefing about farm...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: GLAS Data (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date - such is the popularity of the scheme. Given that the first approvals under the scheme run from 1 October 2015 it is a remarkable achievement to have exceeded this target within a period of 15 months. ...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fodder Crisis (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Weather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were compounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter. To immediately address this issue I prioritised the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fodder Crisis (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Weather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were compounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter. To immediately address this issue I prioritised the...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Fishing Communities (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The Joint Sub-Committee on Fisheries Report on Promoting Sustainable Rural Coastal and Island Communities (published in 2014) to which the Deputy refers made a number of recommendations which concerned a range of Government policies including natural resources, marine safety and social protection.  I intend to address progress on aspects relevant to my remit as Minister for Agriculture,...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Bioenergy Strategy (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: We are aware of reports of difficulties regarding slurry disposal linked to bad weather. Regarding slurry management, under the Good Agriculture Practice (Nitrates) Regulations, farmers are required to have adequate manure storage for all their animals. With respect to water, the Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters Regulations obliges farmers to ensure precautions are taken...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Exports Growth (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is a central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. This work is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU.  Food Wise...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Sector (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, are the responsibility of the company. The company has, however, since it’s meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on 12 December, provided my Department with general briefing...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Livestock Issues (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter.  My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders.  The policy document was finalised...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Brexit Issues (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Brexit has the potential to have a significant impact on the agri food sector in Ireland, including in Co. Wexford. The agri-food sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy.  Its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural Ireland in particular. Farming is an essential part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of the country and...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Dairy Sector (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: As the Deputy is aware, the Irish dairy market, following on from broader EU and International trends, is currently in a much improved position compared to the relatively recent past. Of course we remain extremely vigilant in monitoring the current market and emerging trends, particularly as we approach the peak period for Irish milk production . Whilst the overall dairy sector is now...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Funding (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: I am very aware of the importance of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme, which issues annual payments in excess of €200 million to over 95,000 farmers.  The ANC Scheme has always been recognised as a very important support for rural society and farmers across the country who farm constrained lands.  In light of the importance of the scheme, the Programme...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: GLAS Payments (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date - such is the popularity of the scheme. Given that the first approvals under the scheme run from 1 October 2015 it is a remarkable achievement to have exceeded this target within a period of 15 months....

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Aquaculture Licences (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: I commissioned the Independent Review of Aquaculture Licensing in December 2016 and the report was submitted to me at the end of May 2017. The Review Group carried out a detailed examination of the existing aquaculture licensing process, undertook comprehensive stakeholder consultation and looked at comparative national and international consent systems to determine best practice for...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: GLAS Payments (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date - such is the popularity of the scheme. Given that the first approvals under the scheme run from 1 October 2015 it is a remarkable achievement to have exceeded this target within a period of 15 months....

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Live Exports (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: Live exports are an important component of Ireland’s livestock industry. I am conscious of the vital role they play in stimulating price competition, and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. The ongoing search for new third-country markets is a priority for my Department, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the upcoming UK exit from the EU. In 2017,...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing Industry (13 Feb 2018)

Michael Creed: The Deputy will be aware that the activities of the National Asset Management Agency are outside the remit of my Department. With regards to the organisation referenced, my Department funded the Indecon Review of the Irish Harness Racing Sector, which was published on 1st November 2017. This report provides the sport with a road map for its potential development and I will be supporting...