Results 14,661-14,680 of 18,341 for speaker:Brendan Smith

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (30 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The arrangements for REPS 4 are derived from Commission Regulations that reflect the Commission's objective of integrating and harmonising the operation of the various farm payment schemes — including the Single Payment Scheme, REPS and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. For REPS 4, this means that applications to join the Scheme must be submitted by 15 May each year. Any application to join...

Written Answers — Aquaculture Development: Aquaculture Development (30 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The draft Seafood Development Operational Programme was advertised for public consultation in October 2008. Issues were raised by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of CFB (Central Fisheries Board) regarding the grant-aiding of projects where environmental issues arise relating to...

Written Answers — Aquaculture Licences: Aquaculture Licences (30 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: My Department does not have an application for an aquaculture licence from the person referred to by the Deputy. The site in question is currently licensed to another person for 10 years with effect from 9th May 2005. This person applied for an aquaculture licence in respect of a further area adjacent to his existing licensed site. In October 2006 my Department advised the applicant that...

Written Answers — Farm Waste Management: Farm Waste Management (30 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The financial arrangements in respect of any loans taken out by farmers for the purposes of carrying out investments under the Farm Waste Management Scheme are entirely a matter between the individual farmers and financial institutions concerned.

Written Answers — Fishing Vessel Licences: Fishing Vessel Licences (30 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The EU Fisheries Council acting on a proposal from the EU Commission decides which fish stocks are subject to a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quota regime. The allocation of quotas (per-cent shares) between Member States is based to a large extent on recent track record of fishing by Member States fishing fleets. The stocks in western waters specified by the Deputy are not at this time...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (30 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: Following the April 7 Budget issues relating to the implementation of the announced reduction in forestry premiums had to be addressed before payment is made. It is intended that the annual forestry premium payment will issue to this applicant shortly.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (30 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: It is intended that the annual forestry premium payment will issue to this applicant shortly.

Written Answers — Animal Feedstuffs: Animal Feedstuffs (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The two food recycling companies in Ireland which recycle unused food as animal feed continue to be registered by my Department as Feed Business Operators under EU Regulation 183/2005 on Feed Hygiene. As part of ongoing risk assessment, my Department has already taken additional measures to enhance the inspections regime of feed manufacturing, grain drying, and food recycling premises with a...

Written Answers — Food Labelling: Food Labelling (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: EU marketing standards apply to the sale of poultrymeat in this country. These do not require an indication as to the slaughter dates. The same position pertains to other meats. The current marketing requirements impose various labelling requirements regarding the meat concerned and its use. An extension of these requirements to cover slaughter dates would involve a proposed amendment to EU...

Written Answers — Food Safety: Food Safety (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has overall responsibility for the co-ordination and enforcement of food safety legislation in Ireland. It carries out this remit through service contracts with my Department and other agencies. With regard to on-farm production, including farm inputs, my Department has responsibility for ensuring that only animal and plant material that fulfil...

Written Answers — Fallen Animal Collection Scheme: Fallen Animal Collection Scheme (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 220 together. My Department's contribution to the Fallen Animals Scheme ceased with effect from Tuesday 14th April 2009. This was as a result of budgetary constraints and also reflects the greatly reduced incidence of BSE in this country. The State will continue to provide financial support for the collection of certain dead animals, notably bovines...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: It is intended that the annual forestry premium payment will issue to this applicant shortly.

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The previous question requested the number of issues logged by planners on the eREPS system and, as I indicated in my reply, that information is not readily available. My officials are in ongoing contact with Teagasc and the Agricultural Consultants' Association (ACA) which represents the majority of private planners, about the interpretation of issues relating to REPS including the use of...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The maximum grant available under the Farm Waste Management Scheme is calculated in accordance with my Department's Standard Costs applicable on the date of approval to commence the investment works concerned. If the eligible invoices, net of VAT, together with costs of own contributions in terms of labour and machinery, are less than the Standard Costs, then the grant is calculated on the...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The application for REPS 3 payment in this case was received in my Department on 5th March 2009 and is being processed in accordance with the timeframes agreed with the farming organisations.

Written Answers — Animal Feedstuffs: Animal Feedstuffs (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 to 219, inclusive, together. The quantities of meat and bonemeal (MBM) produced over the past 4 years and the percentage distribution between export and other outlets are set out in the following table. This MBM was produced using a range of materials, notably waste from the meat industry and material from fallen animals. No separate figures are available...

Written Answers — Fallen Animal Collection Scheme: Fallen Animal Collection Scheme (29 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 to 224, inclusive, together. My Department's contribution to the Fallen Animals Scheme ceased with effect from Tuesday 14th April 2009. This was as a result of budgetary constraints and also reflects the greatly reduced incidence of BSE in this country. The State will continue to provide financial support for the collection of certain dead animals,...

Written Answers — Fish Imports: Fish Imports (28 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The material requested by the Deputy will be forwarded to him directly.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (28 Apr 2009)

Brendan Smith: The amount of the premium payable to this applicant is under review and my Department will contact the applicant on the matter within the next week.