Results 1-20 of 382 for speaker:Seán Connick

Swimming Pool Projects (12 Jan 2011)

Seán Connick: I thank the Deputies for raising this matter. I am pleased to be given the opportunity, on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, to clarify for the House the situation with regard to the St Enda's community school sports complex. The school has operated a swimming pool and sports complex since the 1970s, one of five such complexes operated by community...

Private Health Insurance (12 Jan 2011)

Seán Connick: I thank Deputy Breen for raising this matter today as it provides an opportunity to outline to the House the responsibilities of the Minister for Health and Children, the current position of the private health insurance market and the Government's actions and plans for reform. The Minister for Health and Children has responsibility for governance matters relating to the VHI, such as board...

Fishing Industry Development (12 Jan 2011)

Seán Connick: I thank Deputies Christy O'Sullivan and O'Donoghue for raising this matter. There is good news on the total allowable catch, TAC, front for mackerel, with an expected 10% increase in Ireland's quota in 2011 when fully confirmed. This increase will result in approximately €6.5 million extra in the value of landings for this stock. It was agreed at a bilateral meeting between the EU and...

Pigmeat Sector (12 Jan 2011)

Seán Connick: As the Deputies are aware, pig prices are a function of the supply and demand dynamics in the market place and the Department does not intervene in the relationship between pig producers and processors. However, it is evident that the recent increase in cereal prices is having a significant impact on pig producers and this fact cannot be ignored. In tandem with this are difficulties in...

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: Members have raised a number of issues. I will read my speaking notes and then address the issues raised. I thank Senator O'Donovan for tabling the motion and Senator Carroll for seconding it. The cross-party support it has received is very welcome. This was very noticeable when I travelled to the European Union on my first and second visits when I had the opportunity to meet the MEPs of...

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: I will be called if I am required.

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: It is a substitute for cod.

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: The reduction was from a figure of 17%.

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: The institute has two ships.

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: How much time do I have? Is my time restricted?

Seanad: Lost at Sea Scheme: Motion (1 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: At the outset I too express my deepest sympathies to the Byrne family, who have been to the forefront of the minds of all, regardless of party politics, in this difficult case and issue. I welcome this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Ombudsman's special report on the lost at sea scheme. This issue has been extensively debated, both in this House and in the Dáil, as well as...

Seanad: Lost at Sea Scheme: Motion (1 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: That is not the case.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme (1 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: It is too late. The Deputy has said it and it is out there.

Meat Imports (1 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: The importation of beef and lamb into Ireland is a function of supply and demand dynamics. It is influenced by factors like price, currency exchange rates and consumer preferences. According to CSO figures, the vast bulk of imports of lamb and beef into Ireland are from the EU. These figures show that in 2009, some 34,374 tonnes of beef and 1,144 tonnes of lamb were imported into Ireland....

Meat Imports (1 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: I do not have the figures, unfortunately. The percentage value is 4%, as I have said.

Meat Imports (1 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: Yes.

Meat Imports (1 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: It is an interesting perspective on the matter. I would not be in a position to disagree with the Deputy in this respect. I am dealing with a similar problem in relation to fish. I am sure this difficulty is being encountered throughout the EU, across the various product headings. Like all Members of the House, I am acutely aware of the high standards that are required within the Irish...

Meat Imports (1 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: The figures for sheepmeat importation are 84% from Great Britain and 6% from Northern Ireland. Most of those imports, including the 6% from Northern Ireland, were carcasses, so the live imports are counted in that figure of 6%. We are aware of the difficulties with regard to the Mercosur talks and to which Deputy Creed alluded, as regards our standards and standards in other countries. The...

Sugar Beet Production (1 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: What about Wexford? Wexford is very important.

National Recovery Plan (1 Dec 2010)

Seán Connick: The national recovery plan published by the Government recognises that future policy must be focused on areas where competitive advantage can be achieved and it acknowledges the contribution that Irish agriculture and the Irish agrifood industry makes and will continue to make to help boost competitiveness and increase employment in the economy. Exports by this sector amounted to...