Results 13,121-13,140 of 13,254 for speaker:Seán Sherlock

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I was motivated to table my question on the basis of the growing concern that food price inflation is increasing. Christmas is approaching and expenditure on food is quite extensive. There have been increases in the range of 16% to 17% in respect of staples such as milk and, in particular, flour. There is major potential for growth in the...

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Did the Minister of State refer to a figure of €10 million?

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: The Minister of State also referred to figures of 1.355% and 1.53% in respect of output. These represent minuscule rates of increase and the rate of inflation in respect of food will far outstrip them. I suggest that those rates should be increased considerably to meet demand.

European Council Meetings. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: On the CAP health check, on the Order of Business yesterday I asked for a debate on these issues on the basis that they will be subject to the co-decision procedure. While it is a legislative proposal and does not specifically relate to the House, it has major potential implications, both positive and negative, for our agriculture sector and the rural economy. Will the Minister consider...

European Council Meetings. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I have already raised the issue with my party Whip who indicated such a debate would be unlikely.

Farmers' Markets. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I note the Minister of State was in Germany last month, Mullingar last week and Wexford this week and will, I understand, travel to Rome next week.

Farmers' Markets. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: He is increasing his carbon footprint.

Farmers' Markets. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Perhaps the Minister will take a boat to Rome. I thank him for his response. With 29% of respondents in a survey indicating a willingness to purchase local food, it is clear that farmers' markets have scope to tap this market. However, given that most people will shop at one of the multiples, it is necessary to target these food retailers. While the work being done by Bord Bia is without...

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I am not satisfied with that answer because this was a demand-led scheme and was open to all comers. If somebody gets an application in on time it is as valid as any other application. I do not see why the Minister can discriminate against those people who applied within those timeframes but, because the budget line is suddenly cut, are not to be considered. I ask the Minister to review...

Organic Farming. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: In the context of the EU CAP health check, will any measures be undertaken to assist organic farmers in Ireland?

Grant Payments. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: When funding of this nature is allocated to growers, is the labour inspectorate involved in inspecting facilities where the potential for abuse of labour standards exists? Given that moneys are expended by the taxpayer and it has been documented that exploitation has taken place within this industry, is there interdepartmental co-operation on the issue of exploitation of labour in the sector?

Grant Payments. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I have a procedural question. On a number of occasions, the time for questions has been changed. While we are happy to facilitate that process, I respectfully ask that in future we should keep to a more constant timeframe.

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Question 121: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on changing the restrictions imposed on farmers for slurry spreading to facilitate a traffic light system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30406/07]

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: It was reported yesterday that the Government is to spend €40 million next year on carbon credits. Until such time as the year on year spending on credits is reduced, I will take anything said on the Government benches about this issue with a pinch of salt. As a newly elected Deputy, I find this an extraordinary week. On two of the most important issues pertaining to Ireland, young people...

Prison Building Programme. (21 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this matter. The Defence Forces camp at Kilworth, County Cork, has been designated as the location for a prison covering Munster and it will replace facilities at Cork Prison in particular. The proposed location of the prison will be within the 1,200 acre camp located close to the M8 motorway between Mitchelstown and Fermoy and it is...

Written Answers — Hygiene Standards: Hygiene Standards (21 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Question 74: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to the 2006 prevalence survey of healthcare associated infections in acute hospitals which found that Ireland had a lower prevalence rate of both HCAIs and MRSA than England, Wales or Northern Ireland, she has access to the survey results as broken down by reference to the individual hospitals here that participated in...

Written Answers — Medical Cards: Medical Cards (21 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Question 115: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of people holding a medical card and a doctor only medical card at the end of October 2007; the figures for each of the categories at the end of October 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29977/07]

Young People: Motion (Resumed) (21 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I wish to share time with Deputy Wall.

Young People: Motion (Resumed) (21 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: In speaking to this motion one wonders what is the Government's primary motivation in putting it before the House. It is not a legislative proposal. It contains no concrete provisions. It is short on detail and long on aspiration and therein lies the rub. The Government is high on aspiration but low on delivery. The motion is so broad that one senses there is a clear agenda by the...

Order of Business (21 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: In the light of the publication yesterday of the European Commission's proposals on CAP reform and of the health check and given that this is a legislative proposal to which the Government will be a party and which will have serious permutations for Ireland and bring about significant changes with regard to how the farming community and the rural economy develop, will the Government make time...