Results 9,041-9,060 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan
- Written Answers — Food Labelling: Food Labelling (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: Country of origin labelling is one of the requirements under the EC marketing standards for a range of fresh fruit and vegetables. In accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1182/2007, which shall apply from 1 January 2008, all fresh produce covered by the reformed common organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables may only be sold to consumers if the country of origin is...
- Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: Council Directive 2000/29/EC (commonly referred to as the EU Plant Health Directive) deals with protective measures against the introduction into the European Union of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community. It sets out the range of timber and timber products that are subject to plant health control. Whether or not a timber import or wood...
- Written Answers — Pigmeat Sector: Pigmeat Sector (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: My Department has a multifaceted strategy in place to assist the development and viability of the pig industry. The main current concern for the sector is the erosion of profit margins due to the very high cost of feeding stuffs. I have, in recent times, worked with my EU colleagues, both at Council and bilaterally, to put in place steps aimed at improving the situation and ameliorating some...
- Written Answers — Common Agricultural Policy: Common Agricultural Policy (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: The Commission Communication on preparation for the Health Check was published on 20 November and will be presented to the November Council of Agriculture Ministers. There are three main elements to the Commission Communication: Review of implementation and simplification of the Single Payment Scheme; Review of market management measures, including milk quotas, with a view to improving market...
- Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government following a comprehensive consultation period involving input from...
- Written Answers — Beef Imports: Beef Imports (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: Conditions for trade in animal products with third countries follow the principles laid down in under agreements of the World Trade Organisation and the International Organisation for Animal Health. The European Commission is mandated to negotiate these on behalf of the European Union and, through its Food and Veterinary Office, to monitor the compliance of third countries it has approved for...
- Written Answers — Farm Improvement Scheme: Farm Improvement Scheme (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: The Farm Improvement Scheme was launched by my Department in July 2007 with a funding provision of â¬79 million as agreed under the partnership agreement, Towards 2016. On 31 October last, I announced its suspension as grant applications received by my Department under the Scheme had reached this level of funding. I have no plans to reopen the Scheme prior to the review in 2008 of the...
- Written Answers — Meat Imports: Meat Imports (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: I have already publicly welcomed the publication of the latest FVO report by the EU Commission. The report should be helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence. As I indicated at the time of the publication of the report, my Department has asked the EU authorities to arrange for a discussion of this report at the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. A...
- Written Answers — Meat Imports: Meat Imports (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: I have consistently pointed out to the Commissioner and to colleagues in the Council of Ministers that produce imported from third countries must meet standards that are equivalent to those required of Community producers. In this context I have been in regular contact with the Commissioner. The assurance the Commissioner gave was that the Commission will not hesitate to take action if a...
- Written Answers — Marketing and Processing Scheme: Marketing and Processing Scheme (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: I will give details of the funding the co-operative in question received from the Exchequer under the Marketing and Processing Scheme operated by my Department under the 2000-2006 National Development Plan. In 2002, it received a total of â¬931,403 in respect of grain handling, drying and storage facilities at three of their branches. In 2004, it received a total of â¬613,382 paid in...
- Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: The promotion and development of renewable energy in Ireland, including bioenergy, are matters in the first instance for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The role of the Department of Agriculture and Food is to support the supply side of the bioenergy market by encouraging the production of feedstocks. In relation to funding, â¬14 million was made available in...
- Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government following a comprehensive consultation period involving input from...
- Written Answers — Seed Supplies: Seed Supplies (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: The high grain prices experienced across the world have resulted in an increased interest in sowing cereals. In addition the very good autumn weather has encouraged farmers to plant winter crops instead of waiting till the spring. 2007 was a difficult year for producing seed in Ireland, because of the very wet summer. In response to this a derogation was obtained from the EU Commission to...
- Written Answers — Farm Improvement Scheme: Farm Improvement Scheme (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: As I indicated in response to the earlier question, 12,675 applications were received under the Farm Improvement Scheme up to its suspension on 31 October 2007. A county-by-county breakdown was also provided on that occasion. It is not possible at this stage to provide any further breakdown of this figure.
- Written Answers — Sheep Industry: Sheep Industry (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: The Sheep Strategy Group, which was chaired by Mr. John Malone, produced its report in June 2006. The report contained a number of recommendations for action to secure the future of the sheep sector. I established an Implementation Group, also under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, to oversee the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Malone report. The Group reported...
- Written Answers — Farm Waste Management: Farm Waste Management (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: A total of â¬350 million was provided for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and related measures, such as the Farm Improvement Scheme, by the 2007-2013 National Development Plan as part of an overall package of measures amounting to â¬8.6 billion of public funding for the agri-food sector as set out in that Plan. I am satisfied that sufficient funding will be made available for the Farm...
- Written Answers — Animal Diseases: Animal Diseases (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: My Department accords a high priority to maintaining Ireland's high status in relation to animal health and welfare in the context of protecting consumers and in view of the economic and social importance of agriculture to the country. It remains essential that we anticipate future possibilities wherever possible and maintain the capability of dealing effectively with any threats in this...
- Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: The Farm Improvement Scheme was suspended on 31 October 2007 as the applications had reached the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the partnership agreement, Towards 2016. I have no plans to reopen the Scheme prior to the review in 2008 of the terms of Towards 2016 as provided for in that agreement. This review will take stock of the outcomes achieved in relation to the overall...
- Written Answers — Tuberculosis Incidence: Tuberculosis Incidence (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: The value for money review of the Bovine TB Eradication Scheme is due to be completed by the end of the year.
- Written Answers — Harbours and Piers: Harbours and Piers (22 Nov 2007)
Mary Coughlan: The pier at Doolin is the property of Clare County Council and responsibility for its repair and upkeep rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. My Department does, however, co-fund maintenance and development works with various Local Authorities subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and overall national priorities. My Department received an application from Clare...