Results 15,761-15,780 of 18,496 for speaker:Brendan Smith
- Written Answers — Installation Aid Scheme: Installation Aid Scheme (3 Feb 2009)
Brendan Smith: Only fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received up to and including 14 October 2008 are being processed by my Department at present. Due to budgetary constraints, I am not in a position at present to re-consider the decision to suspend entry to the Scheme.
- Written Answers — Installation Aid Scheme: Installation Aid Scheme (3 Feb 2009)
Brendan Smith: Only fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received up to and including 14 October 2008 are being processed by my Department at present. Due to budgetary constraints, I am not in a position at present to re-consider the decision to suspend entry to the Scheme.
- Written Answers — Pigmeat Sector: Pigmeat Sector (3 Feb 2009)
Brendan Smith: The agreement concluded with pigmeat processors in December provides a facility of â¬180 million from the public finances to assist processors in funding the recall and destruction of certain pork products from the market and products in storage. The agreement covers both large and small processors. The details of the scheme have been published on my Department's website and final payments...
- Written Answers — Afforestation Programme: Afforestation Programme (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: Almost â¬125 million has been allocated to the forestry subhead for 2009, demonstrating the Government's commitment to maintaining an active and substantial forestry programme into the future. Over â¬100 million of this allocation has been assigned to the afforestation programme. The Afforestation Scheme is fully operational and my officials are accepting and processing both applications...
- Written Answers — Horse Breeding Organisation: Horse Breeding Organisation (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: Horse Sport Ireland is the breeding organisation approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to maintain the studbook of origin (commonly known as "mother studbook") for Irish Draught Horse breed. Horse Sport Ireland has a written policy on breed preservation.
- Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.
- Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.
- Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: The Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme state that entitlements, which were activated (claimed) by the farmer in 2005, had to be used at least once in every three-year period i.e. 2006, 2007, 2008. "Used" in this context means that in any year one hectare of eligible land must have been declared in respect of each entitlement held. The Regulations further state that any...
- Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: I am keenly aware of the problems encountered by farmers as a consequence of the bad weather, particularly the harvesting of forage and cereal crops in 2008. In recognition of these problems, I wrote to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Fischer Boel, seeking approval for the early payment of the 2008 Single Payment. My request was for advance payment at a rate of...
- Written Answers — Pigmeat Sector: Pigmeat Sector (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: The agreement concluded with pigmeat processors in December involved making available a facility of â¬180 million from the public finances to assist processors in funding the recall and destruction of certain pork products from the market and products in storage. The details of the scheme have been published on my Department's website and final payments will be effected without delay once...
- Written Answers — Food Labelling: Food Labelling (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. In this...
- Written Answers — Installation Aid Scheme: Installation Aid Scheme (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: I have no plans at present to reopen the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme to new applications having regard to the general budgetary situation.
- Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: Entry to REPS 4 continues to be available to eligible applicants and I have no plans at present to restrict or close entry to the scheme.
- Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: The processing of grant applications is an operational matter for Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and, under the Sea Fisheries Act 1952, I have no remit as to the operational aspects of its work programme.
- The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: As we are aware, there has been a significant deterioration in economic conditions, and especially in the public finances in the past twelve months. This deterioration in economic conditions has had a significant impact on the economy. The economy contracted in 2008 and will continue to do so this year. A major factor weighing on activity is the correction in the property sector and this...
- The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: That means providing the country with the appropriate leadership, which was the case at that time and is the case now. That agreement laid the foundation stone for a dramatic improvement in the quality of Ireland's economic and social life.
- The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: The Labour Party disagreed in 1987. Deputy Shortall's party left Government and left the country in an appalling state in 1987. The Labour Party ran out of the Cabinet in 1987.
- The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: That agreement laid the foundation stone for a dramatic improvement in the quality of Ireland's economic and social life. It was not easy and involved a huge level of sacrifice by all. It took a considerable period of time to make a difference, but in the current climate it represents an example of what can be achieved working together, in partnership, for the good of the country.
- The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: The Deputy's only contribution is that everything is hypocrisy.
- The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)
Brendan Smith: I do not come before the House to listen to codswallop from Deputy Shortall, which is all I have ever heard from her over the years. That is her only contribution.