Results 12,401-12,420 of 18,331 for speaker:Brendan Smith

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (13 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: The application from the person named was received on 17 June 2009 and his REPS 4 contract begins on 1 January 2010. The applicant will not be eligible for a payment in respect of 2010 until administrative checks on all 2010 applications for REPS 4, as well as cross-checks against Single Payment Scheme entitlements, are completed. As a result, payment is likely to take place in the Autumn.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 24 April 2009. On the date of application the person named had no Single Payment entitlements in his own name. On 25th February 2010 an application was received to transfer single payment entitlements from another farmer to the person named. My department requested testamentary documentation and when...

Written Answers — Crop Losses: Crop Losses (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: As detailed in my reply to question 356 of 5 May 2010, I introduced a Fodder Aid Scheme in November 2009, which was targeted at farmers who lost fodder due to the severe flooding in November 2009. Many of the beneficiaries of this Scheme were farmers in South Galway. I also introduced a Scheme in February 2010 to provide limited assistance to some potato and vegetable producers whose crops...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: Payment will issue to the person named within ten working days.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: The person named applied for 11 animals in 2009 under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. It is a condition of this Scheme that for herds of more than 10 cows the calves must be weaned in at least two separate groups with each group being removed at a minimum interval of five days. My Department examined the additional information provided by the applicant but was not satisfied that this condition...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: The information requested for the years concerned is not readily available but will be collated and forwarded directly to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: REPS 3 was introduced under EU Regulations covering the Rural Development programming period 2000–2006 whereas the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) was introduced under the Regulations covering the current period, 2007–13. It is not legally possible under the regulations for a person to apply for AEOS while still participating in REPS 3 and I have no discretion in this matter.

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: There are currently 2,996 participants in REPS in County Clare with an average annual payment of €6,200.

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: At close of business on Tuesday 11 May, 1,079 applications had been submitted to my Department's office at Johnstown Castle Estate in Wexford. I expect significant volumes of applications will be submitted over the coming days.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: Payment of the relevant forestry premium will be made to the person in question on receipt of a completed 10-year Forest Management Plan.

Written Answers — Birds of Prey: Birds of Prey (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: My Department is not directly involved in the programme of re – introduction of birds of prey to certain areas in this country. However, checks are carried out under the Direct Payment Schemes to ensure that farmers comply with eighteen statutory management requirements. One of these requirements relates to the conservation of wild birds. Specifically farmers must not: Kill or capture any...

Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction (Fixed Penalty Notice) (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: I acknowledge that the issue of controlling the activity of fishing vessels is of great interest and importance to Deputies. I also appreciate the work of Deputy Jim O'Keeffe in drafting the Bill, with the support of his colleague, Deputy Creed, and fully accept that it was done with a view to introducing a strengthened regime for the control of fishing activity. However, for the reasons I...

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Statements (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: I am delighted to have the opportunity to initiate the debate on this important matter, namely, the future of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2013. Senator Carty requested such a debate some time ago. This is a very important issue for Ireland, as it will set the context and many of the conditions for the development of Irish agriculture in the years ahead and we need to demonstrate a...

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Statements (12 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: It is known as the geographical indicator.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (11 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: The person named submitted an application for the Single Payment Scheme 2009 which was received, in my Department, on 20th November 2009. Under the Terms and Conditions of the Single Payment Scheme 2009, all applications received after 9th June 2009 incur a 100% late penalty. An appeal in connection with this 100% late penalty is currently being dealt with by the Agriculture Appeals Office....

Written Answers — Bovine Movement Certificates: Bovine Movement Certificates (11 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: Following the closure of the District Veterinary Office, Ennis, my Department have written to all herdowners who were previously dealt with from that office and advised them that their files will now be administered from the District Veterinary Office, Limerick. In view of this change, herdowners based in County Clare who require movement permits should contact the District Veterinary Office...

Written Answers — Forestry Inventory: Forestry Inventory (11 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: In 2007, the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food completed a National Forest Inventory in Ireland. This inventory involved a detailed field survey of Ireland's forests and woodlands. The purpose of the National Forest Inventory is to record and assess the composition and condition of the entire forest estate, both public and private, at national level. To...

Written Answers — Equal Opportunities Employment: Equal Opportunities Employment (11 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: My Department is an equal opportunities employer. In accordance with the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with Disability in the Irish Civil Service my Department is committed to providing the supports necessary to enable staff with disabilities to participate fully in the workplace. However, as the Deputy will be aware, due to the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (11 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: The person named had 14 animals for consideration under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. It is a condition of this Scheme for herds of more than 10 cows that a graduated weaning practice be implemented. The calves must be weaned in at least two separate groups with each group being removed at a minimum interval of at least five days. The applicant did not comply with this condition and,...

Written Answers — Aquaculture Licences: Aquaculture Licences (11 May 2010)

Brendan Smith: As indicated in previous replies the area for which the licences are sought is a designated Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 site). In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas my Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife...