Results 8,481-8,500 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: In early January, in the course of discussions about the payment arrangements for REPS 4, the European Commission unexpectedly raised questions about the long-established practice of paying farmers in REPS 2 and REPS 3 in full at the start of each contract year. I met Commissioner Fischer Boel in Dublin to discuss this matter when she attended the Annual General Meeting of the IFA in...

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels on Monday last about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make...

Written Answers — Milk Quota: Milk Quota (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: Allocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota from individual producers. The person named has applied to the Tribunal in the current, i.e. 2007/2008, milk quota year. The Tribunal will examine this and other...

Animal Diseases. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I beg the Chair's indulgence in replying to this question, if that is agreeable to the Deputies opposite, as there may be some important points to be made. My Department's contingency arrangements to minimise the possible introduction of the bluetongue virus into the country are based on the existing EU legislation and an ongoing assessment of the risk to Ireland. Following confirmation of...

Animal Diseases. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: That is correct.

Animal Diseases. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I have had two discussions today with the Minister. We had an all-Ireland approach on foot and mouth disease. That included Great Britain and Ireland, including Northern Ireland. All animals being brought in will have a post-import test. If they are coming for slaughter, they do not need a test. I have expressed a view to the effect that the present regulatory rules are inappropriate and...

Animal Diseases. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: It is susceptible animals as opposed to susceptible areas. The status of Northern Ireland is different since the disease is not there. Therefore the rules are different. If animals are being imported for breeding purposes a post-import test will be carried out and I am happy that the relevant provisions will be adhered to. All animals for export have to have a veterinary certificate. We...

Animal Diseases. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: We have a disease control group in the Department which meets instantaneously if there are any changes. We shall be taking into consideration any measures that are necessary, based on the risks as they arise. At this moment the risk has not changed. We changed our view a number of days ago, and that is why I introduced the post-import certificate. In the advent of any changes arising, I...

Installation Aid Scheme. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: The rule is that the applicant must not be in farming. He was initiated within the leasing agreement. I will agree to examine the case. Both of us will look at it. It there are two Ministers looking at it, it might not be half as bad.

Installation Aid Scheme. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: We do not bend rules over here in Fianna Fáil; it is terrible, scandalous behaviour.

Installation Aid Scheme. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: That is why we are strong.

Grant Payments. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: In early January, in the course of discussions on payment arrangements for REPS 4, the European Commission unexpectedly raised questions about the long-established practice of paying farmers in REPS 2 and REPS 3 in full at the start of each contract year. I met Commissioner Fischer Boel in Dublin to discuss this matter when she attended the annual general meeting of the Irish Farmers...

Grant Payments. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I agree with the Deputy that the sooner this matter is dealt with, the better. I hope and have expressed the view that this will happen shortly. As for a timeframe, I expect it to occur within the next fortnight. As the Deputy correctly observed, my officials are in negotiations with the Commission on the matter at present.

Grant Payments. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: As the Deputy knows, Ireland is unique in that it is the only member state that pays 100% of the REPS payment up-front. Other member states are very happy with the new regulation stipulating that there be two separate payments, one of 75% and another of 25%. We are putting forward our specific views and concerns on the basis of our 14 years of experience with the scheme.

World Trade Negotiations. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I remain committed to an ambitious outcome to the current round of WTO negotiations. As an open economy dependent on trade, Ireland has much to gain from a successful conclusion to the negotiations. However, I have insisted, and will continue to insist, that any final agreement must be balanced. It must be balanced across all of the negotiating pillars, namely, market access for industrial...

World Trade Negotiations. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I do not want to give a biblical answer but I share the concerns of all Members of the House. The House has had an opportunity to express these concerns at committees. I have used all the political clout I have been given in speaking to representatives from other member states. What was known as the "group of 14" has now expanded and has become the "group of 20" and this demonstrates the...

World Trade Negotiations. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: We will be dealing with everything we can and my colleague, Deputy McGuinness, the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and a number of my representatives are meeting Commissioner Mandelson this afternoon to outline our concerns. Deputy Andrew Doyle can rest assured that, in working with those in the industry, including farming organisations and political...

Grant Payments. (21 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: Is the Deputy double-jobbing?

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (20 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: The following table sets out the number of requests my Department has received under the Freedom of Information Act during the period 1997 to date. 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 to 19/2/08 0 150 420 427 339 363 317 278 210 217 156 20 Notes: 1. The figures for 2004 onwards include requests concerning the forestry service with effect from 1st January 2004. 2....

Written Answers — Meat and Bonemeal Production: Meat and Bonemeal Production (20 Feb 2008)

Mary Coughlan: The amount in tonnes of meat and bonemeal produced in the State for each of the past 5 years is as follows: Category 1 MBM Produced Category 3 MBM Produced Total 2003 49,311.19 89,142.14 138,453.33 2004 75,823.90 62,713.83 138,537.73 2005 84,026.67 59,352.93 143,379.60 2006 98,953.44 53,540.54 152,493.98 2007 97,124.28 53,392.91 150,517.19