Results 121-140 of 12,942 for speaker:Seán Sherlock

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: It was reported yesterday that the Government is to spend €40 million next year on carbon credits. Until such time as the year on year spending on credits is reduced, I will take anything said on the Government benches about this issue with a pinch of salt. As a newly elected Deputy, I find this an extraordinary week. On two of the most important issues pertaining to Ireland, young people...

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Question 2: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she will take to combat rising inflation in food prices; if her attention has been drawn to the latest FAO food facts report, which expects that many countries will pay more for importing cereals from world markets than they did previously; and if she will implement measures to ensure growth in the cereals sector...

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I was motivated to table my question on the basis of the growing concern that food price inflation is increasing. Christmas is approaching and expenditure on food is quite extensive. There have been increases in the range of 16% to 17% in respect of staples such as milk and, in particular, flour. There is major potential for growth in the...

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Did the Minister of State refer to a figure of €10 million?

Food Industry. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: The Minister of State also referred to figures of 1.355% and 1.53% in respect of output. These represent minuscule rates of increase and the rate of inflation in respect of food will far outstrip them. I suggest that those rates should be increased considerably to meet demand.

European Council Meetings. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: On the CAP health check, on the Order of Business yesterday I asked for a debate on these issues on the basis that they will be subject to the co-decision procedure. While it is a legislative proposal and does not specifically relate to the House, it has major potential implications, both positive and negative, for our agriculture sector and the rural economy. Will the Minister consider...

European Council Meetings. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I have already raised the issue with my party Whip who indicated such a debate would be unlikely.

Farmers' Markets. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I note the Minister of State was in Germany last month, Mullingar last week and Wexford this week and will, I understand, travel to Rome next week.

Farmers' Markets. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: He is increasing his carbon footprint.

Farmers' Markets. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Perhaps the Minister will take a boat to Rome. I thank him for his response. With 29% of respondents in a survey indicating a willingness to purchase local food, it is clear that farmers' markets have scope to tap this market. However, given that most people will shop at one of the multiples, it is necessary to target these food retailers. While the work being done by Bord Bia is without...

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I am not satisfied with that answer because this was a demand-led scheme and was open to all comers. If somebody gets an application in on time it is as valid as any other application. I do not see why the Minister can discriminate against those people who applied within those timeframes but, because the budget line is suddenly cut, are not to be considered. I ask the Minister to review...

Organic Farming. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: In the context of the EU CAP health check, will any measures be undertaken to assist organic farmers in Ireland?

Grant Payments. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: When funding of this nature is allocated to growers, is the labour inspectorate involved in inspecting facilities where the potential for abuse of labour standards exists? Given that moneys are expended by the taxpayer and it has been documented that exploitation has taken place within this industry, is there interdepartmental co-operation on the issue of exploitation of labour in the sector?

Grant Payments. (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: I have a procedural question. On a number of occasions, the time for questions has been changed. While we are happy to facilitate that process, I respectfully ask that in future we should keep to a more constant timeframe.

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (22 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Question 121: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on changing the restrictions imposed on farmers for slurry spreading to facilitate a traffic light system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30406/07]

Written Answers — Common Foreign and Security Policy: Common Foreign and Security Policy (27 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Question 69: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent matters dealt with by the clearing house of COREPER in terms of foreign policy of the European Union. [30866/07]

Written Answers — Common Foreign and Security Policy: Common Foreign and Security Policy (27 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Question 93: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for the improvement of accountability to parliaments of Member States of the European Union in relation to decision making on common, foreign and security policy and European security and defence. [30865/07]

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (27 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: Question 427: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position of the decentralisation of her Department's office from Cork city to Fermoy; the progress on the recruitment of staff for the facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30586/07]

Leaders' Questions (28 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: The Taoiseach is acknowledging that the Labour Party position is correct.

Confidence in Minister for Health and Children: Motion (Resumed) (28 Nov 2007)

Seán Sherlock: We have now reached a point where people have lost confidence in the system of delivering cancer care. That people's confidence in the system has been shaken to its foundations is putting it mildly. That thousands of women who are at risk of breast cancer face a cloud of uncertainty is a sad indictment of the Government. That a committee of this House was informed by the HSE that 97 women...