Results 13,841-13,860 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan
- Bovine Diseases. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: A number of issues have been raised. On Deputy Upton's question, we have looked at the geographical spread. There have been investigations and last week there was a prosecution for an illegal animal knackery circumventing the controls. Where issues outside of the scientific aspects arise, the Department deals with them strictly. I did not get a copy of the press release on MRSA to which...
- Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: According to Central Statistics Office data there were a total of 147,600 farmers in 1997, of which 98,300 or 67% were classified as full-time or farmers having no other occupation. By 2003, the latest year that such data are available, the total number of farmers had fallen by 8% to 135,300. Of this number, 77,900 or 58% were classified as full-time or having no other occupation. While the...
- Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: Alternative farming is certainly now an option on the basis of decoupling and I note a slight trend in that direction such as specialisation in the free range area. We are doing all we can to encourage organic farming. This is a difficult task but every effort is being made to encourage it. On the basis of REPS, for example, we were in a position to give opportunities to people who wish to...
- Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I have no need to go to Carr Communications. I can speak to the Deputy in two languages, and a third if he is stuck.
- Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: It is quite unfair and incorrect to say Teagasc cooked the books. While the household survey will indicate one result, the farm survey will indicate another. If I remember correctly, the farm survey shows a 3% increase in farm incomes. The policies we now pursue recognise the different types of farming taking place. I am delighted the Deputy took the opportunity to attend the ploughing...
- Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: The beef premium overshoot is to be paid. The Deputy's facts are incorrect. I am glad he is wakening up to what is happening.
- Agriculture Sector. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: Beef premium has been paid and the overshoot has been dealt with and passed by a committee in the Deputy's absence. Single farm payment will be paid on time in December and new alternatives are being worked on to try and support farming enterprises. I will continue with this work. Over a short period some 47,000 people have moved into REPS. Farmers are looking at alternatives.
- EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: Directive 2004/28 of the Council and of the European Parliament, which is the new EU legislation governing the veterinary medicines regime, must be transposed into national law no later than 30 October of this year. My Department has circulated draft regulations designed to give effect to the new EU legislation and to reform aspects of the existing national regime for consultation. Written...
- EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I will consider that in due course. As I said in my previous reply, it reflects what is usually used.
- EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I agree with Deputy Upton that those are the issues with which we must deal. The United Kingdom has proceeded differently on the black market. We must ensure competition and people must not feel under pressure that their choice will be restricted. We want a balance between the confidence of the consumer and the cost to the farmer. I intend that between now and 1 January 2007 we will be in a...
- EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: The draft regulations on veterinary medicines, which were circulated by my Department in August for consultation, are designed to give effect to EU Directive No. 2004/28 and to reform aspects of the existing national regime for consultation. The Department received written submissions from most of the main stakeholders and subsequently met many of them as part of the consultative process. In...
- EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: A number of issues arise. The United Kingdom proceeded much faster than expectedââ
- EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I do not really care because I have taken the opportunity for consultation on this matter. As I indicated previously all the organisations and individuals involved put their views and I am awaiting the consultative committee who will advise me on this matter. I will make further announcements over the next two to three weeks. I agree that cost is an issue and on that basis and because I am...
- EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I as Minister will make that decision and not the Department.
- EU Directives. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I know the Deputy will ensure I am held politically responsible. As I indicated in my initial response, the exemption list has been forwarded to the Commission. The Deputy is correct in saying the exemption list must be agreed by the 25 member states. If this agreement is not forthcoming between now and 1 January 2007, I will in the interim reflect on the implications and make a balanced...
- Animal Diseases. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I hope the Ceann Comhairle will allow me to finish the extensive reply to this important question.
- Animal Diseases. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I ask for a bit more than that. A particularly virulent high pathogenic strain of avian influenza has been affecting countries in south-east Asia since December 2003. Both Russia and Kazakhstan confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain in poultry in August. The high pathogenic strain has not been reported anywhere in the European Union since 2003, when there was an outbreak...
- Animal Diseases. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: It is an extensive answer. Additional information not given on the floor of the House In August the Commission expert group considered the possibility that the disease could be imported into the EU via migratory birds, particularly water birds and concluded, based on the existing knowledge of migratory routes of the species of birds proceeding from central and western Asia and that might pose...
- Animal Diseases. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: I reiterate that vigilance is uppermost in our minds. The Department and its counterpart in the North work in co-ordination with each other as does the Department and the Department of Health and Children and other agencies. I reassure the Deputy that the evolving scientific evidence as provided by the EU will be reflected in our contingency plans. Vigilance is being maintained in the...
- Animal Diseases. (4 Oct 2005)
Mary Coughlan: All those involved in the sector have been informed about this matter and information leaflets have been made available. In the event of an outbreak of this disease, those at the frontline would include not only those involved in the poultry sector but Department officials who are fully au fait with the implications. My Department has ensured that those officials have the necessary equipment...