Results 141-160 of 11,258 for speaker:Séamus Kirk

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions: Decisions on Public Petitions Received (25 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: We discussed this at some length. There is broad agreement within the committee that it is an area that bears further examination. It is not alone at third level, but at second and primary level as well. In the schools, there is a need to put arrangements into place that will protect the best interests of the pupil and of the principal, the teachers and the board of management. While...

Family Home Mortgage Settlement Arrangement Bill 2014: Second Stage (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: This is important legislation and we are all grateful to our colleague, Deputy Michael McGrath, for introducing it in Private Members’ time. It is timely and important in getting to the nub of the problem affecting many families as various Members outlined. Having 37,484 families in mortgage arrears for over two years, with many more in arrears under that time, graphically...

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: In fairness, the Deputy should check the position as to why he is not here before he comments.

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: The front page of the Farming Independentsets out the uncertainty in the industry. Tonight is an opportunity for the Minister to clarify the position. Earlier this year we debated the butterfat adjustment. The 2% figure would have represented a saving of €30 million for the industry. Where is the possibility of a butterfat adjustment due to our exceptional circumstances? We are glad...

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: On 31 March, we will be in a superlevy bill situation. On 1 April, we will be in a different environment. It makes no logical sense to have such an arrangement for the end of a period at a time when we are talking about-----

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: -----an increasing world population-----

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: -----and, hopefully, an increased demand for dairy products in the range of markets that have been mentioned. I am glad to be in a position to say that they are coming on stream. However, it is extraordinary that such a bill would drop into the Irish dairy industry at that time and in those circumstances. I would appreciate if the Minister addressed my few points when he replies.

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: I am glad of the opportunity to make a short contribution to this debate. The time allocated for it is relatively limited and as I indicated at the outset, it is a pity we did not make provision for a question and answer session, because there are a number of questions that need to be addressed and in which the industry would be very interested. The introduction of the milk quotas in 1983-----

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: I will summarise them at the end and I hope the Minister will address them. The introduction of the milk quota in 1983 came at a very inopportune time for Irish agriculture. For a number of years after our entry to the EEC, we simply were not sufficiently developed for such restriction. The increase in the New Zealand level of production since 1983 graphically illustrates the degree of...

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: Overproduction of 1% is €15 million. If it is 3% or 4% the sums are relatively easy to do. They are the ballpark figures we are talking about. In a debate like this we must take the more extreme figure because it will be the most penal for the industry. Individual farmers will be faced with this. They will also be faced with an increased income tax bill. The income levels for...

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: That is the background we are talking about.

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: We must deal with the statistical position of the industry and the problems that are facing individual farmers on the ground. I have only a limited time to finish. There are a number of issues we need to address regarding the superlevy bill. I said earlier that 1% represents €15 million of a bill. We need clarification as to when it is going to be paid. Is it going to be paid over...

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: They are the points that we need clarified here tonight.

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: I have a brief question. The Minister indicated that he would provide for a question and answer session at the conclusion of the debate. There are advocates for the industry in the Gallery who would be more than anxious to hear what will happen about the superlevy, which the Minister did not deal with in his contribution.

Dairy Sector: Statements (4 Mar 2015)

Séamus Kirk: Will the Minister accept questions?

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Legislative Measures (24 Feb 2015)

Séamus Kirk: 289. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to review the legislation on tree-felling, in view of recent court decisions on personal injury awards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7847/15]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Apprenticeship Programmes (24 Feb 2015)

Séamus Kirk: 561. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has finalised the respective roles for SOLAS and institutes of technology for the apprenticeship implementation plan; if she will examine this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8298/15]

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Public Service Obligation Levy Application (24 Feb 2015)

Séamus Kirk: 607. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to reduce the public service obligation levy on charities and sporting organisations due to the increased costs in the public service obligation levy, which directly impact sporting bodies and charities nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7848/15]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions: Use of Irish Airspace and Landing Facilities: (Resumed) Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (18 Feb 2015)

Séamus Kirk: I suppose those members who are not as long-winded will not be allowed to speak first.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions: Use of Irish Airspace and Landing Facilities: (Resumed) Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (18 Feb 2015)

Séamus Kirk: I will be brief, as I am conscious that the Minister will soon be on his way. I have three short questions. Reference was made to the transportation of spent uranium. Has spent uranium ever been transported through Shannon Airport or any of our airports?