Results 13,641-13,660 of 18,341 for speaker:Brendan Smith

Written Answers — EU Regulations: EU Regulations (12 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: While the EU Hygiene Regulations introduced in January 2006 includes a derogation for direct sales at local level for primary producers, it also provides that a Member State may introduce a national measure to prohibit or restrict the placing on the market within its own territory of raw milk or raw cream intended for direct human consumption. It is a well-documented fact that raw milk is a...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (12 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2009. Processing of the application revealed that another applicant had also claimed two of the three land parcels claimed by the person named. In keeping with standard procedures, both parties were written to in order to establish who had the right to claim the parcels in question. The person...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (12 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007– 2013 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including plan checks, to be completed before the first 2009 payments issue. Processing of applications, including the application from the person named, has commenced to facilitate the release of payments at the...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (12 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 11 May 2009. This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility inspection. The inspection is completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme and the 70% advance payment under the Single Payment...

Written Answers — Sheepmeat Sector: Sheepmeat Sector (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: I can confirm that, as part of an investigation into movements of sheep, officers from my Department have visited a number of farms and slaughtering establishments. The information that has been gathered as a result of these visits is being examined, and the investigation is continuing. In the circumstances it would be inappropriate to comment further pending the outcome of the investigation.

Written Answers — Animal Identification Scheme: Animal Identification Scheme (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: The introduction of electronic identification (EID) for sheep was agreed at EU level in late 2003. At that time, it was agreed to defer the implementation date until January 2008. The Council revisited this issue in December 2007 when it was agreed that the deadline for the compulsory introduction of EID should be set for 31 December 2009, 6 years after the original decision was taken. I have...

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: My Department has submitted proposals for a new agri-environmental scheme to the European Commission as part of a draft amendment to the Rural Development Programme 2007-13. Initial bilateral discussions have taken place. The Commission has set out its comments and questions in writing. My Department will give its response this week and further bilateral discussions will take place...

Written Answers — Fishing Industry Development: Fishing Industry Development (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: The delay in the launch of the National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-13 arose as a result of concerns raised by the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Central Fisheries Board, during the public consultation process. The concerns related to the grant aiding of projects where...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: I understand that, as confirmed by the applicant's forestry company, the relevant provenance certification has not been lodged in my Department. The forestry company concerned expects to be in a position to submit the documentation within a week and provided the documentation is in order, payment will be made within a further two weeks.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, while the 70% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme commenced on 19 October. Payments under both schemes initially issued in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. Payments have continued to issue as outstanding matters are resolved. To date, payments to the value of €213,449,438 have...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: An application under the 2009 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 30 April 2009. The application of the person named has been fully processed and payments under both the Single Payment and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue shortly.

Written Answers — Fishing Industry Development: Fishing Industry Development (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: The Cawley report, Steering A New Course, is the national strategic blueprint for the Irish fishing industry and the wider seafood sector. Progress has been made on a number of fronts, including a substantial decommissioning scheme, which was a key recommendations of the Cawley report and has been completed. This scheme was funded from the EU Co-funded Operational Programme 2007-13 which...

Written Answers — Beef Industry: Beef Industry (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: There are no bovine slaughtering establishments, approved by my Department, in County Galway. The last such establishment ceased bovine slaughter in January 2007. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland advises my Department that there are nine bovine slaughtering establishments approved by the Galway County Council Veterinary Service. As the throughput quantities in individual establishments...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: My officials have requested information from the REPS planner acting for the person named. Until that information is received, processing of the payment application cannot resume.

Written Answers — Installation Aid Scheme: Installation Aid Scheme (11 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme, which has been suspended for new applications since 14 October 2008. Under the terms of the scheme, payment of the grant concerned is made once it has been established that the requirements of the scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. In this case, an...

Written Answers — Fur Farming: Fur Farming (10 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 408 together. The renewed Programme for Government includes a commitment to phase out fur farming over three years. I have asked my officials to prepare a detailed submission which will address the legislative and other actions necessary to give effect to that commitment.

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (10 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: Up to 2007 payments in respect of designated Natura sites were not separately identified but formed part of the overall REPS 3 Scheme in operation at that time. Under the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 payments for designated Natura sites may be made to a beneficiary approved to participate in the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS 4) which was introduced in 2007. A person...

Written Answers — Fur Farming: Fur Farming (10 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: All licensed fur farms must comply with Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. This legislation requires that owners take all reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of animals under their care and that all animals are cared for by staff who possess appropriate ability, knowledge and professional competence with regard to animal husbandry....

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (10 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: An application under the Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2009. This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and full cross-compliance inspection. The inspection is completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the 70% advance payment...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (10 Nov 2009)

Brendan Smith: An application under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2009. The Terms and Conditions governing the Scheme require, inter alia, that applicants maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare declared, for at least three consecutive months, during the calendar year of application. However, where...