Coughlan, MaryThursday, 18 May 2006 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
Page of 205
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Priority Questions - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: the steps which are being taken to protect this country from foot and mouth disease in view of the prevalence of foot and mouth disease in Brazil and the grossly inadequate tagging and traceability in...
It is time for Deputy Naughten to listen to the Minister of State.
He spent the whole time reading the paper.
Priority Questions - Departmental Investigations.
Was asked: her views on appointing an independent expert, agreed upon by her Department and a person (details supplied), to investigate the possible cause of high mortality of cattle and the low productivity of ...
Priority Questions - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: her plans in relation to the opposition from most farmers, especially those in the horticultural sector, to an introduction of genetically modified seed, crops or animals to Ireland and of the genetic...
We are not talking about that.
Is this a question or a display of information?
No bother.
Priority Questions - Dairy Sector.
Was asked: the steps she is taking at EU level to protect the income of dairy farmers; the action she will take at Government level to relieve the cost burden that farmers can no longer afford; and if she will m...
Following a number of successful years for the Irish dairy industry on international and EU markets, 2006 is proving to be more challenging for the industry. The butter market, in particular, is under...
No, I did not.
The accusation that the changes I am promoting in the policy framework in any way had a detrimental effect on the price of milk is totally erroneous. Moreover, the Commissioner did not say that she ha...
To be exact, she stated the product mix in Ireland was causing us difficulties, which is true. This concerns the issue of butter, a fact the Deputy, as a dairy farmer, understands. The price of milk i...
A number of initiatives have been made available through my Department and Enterprise Ireland. We will continue to work with the sector to enhance and increase the research and development capability....
It is vital that certain issues in the dairy sector are dealt with. The issue of cost and how it is to be removed from the sector is one on which I have worked continuously and will continue to work. ...
Priority Questions - Sugar Beet Industry.
Was asked: if she will make a statement on the closure of the Irish Sugar plant at Mallow; and if she will agree to meet workers’ representatives from the plant to discuss issues arising from the closure and the...
The decision by Greencore to discontinue sugar production and close the Irish Sugar plant at Mallow was a commercial decision by the company, having regard to market forces and the agreement on reform...
The golden share only comes into play if a certain percentage of the company’s sugar assets are sold. It does not allow me to interfere with the day-to-day management of the company or to influence de...
The Minister, Deputy Martin, and I have publicly expressed the opinion that the company should agree to the Labour Court recommendations. The process will be completed shortly and I will meet union re...
Other Questions - Food Safety.
Was asked: the steps her Department has taken in 2006 to raise awareness of animal health conditions regarding personal imports of meat and milk; the methods she is considering to overcome the problem of targeti...
That is not our office. It is the European office to which the Deputy refers.
The next time the Deputy travels, we will have him arrested.
Other Questions - Noxious Weeds.
Was asked: the number of cases and the respective charges made under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936; and if a review of the legislation is being planned to include, for example, the dangerous giant hogweed which at ...
What was the Deputy doing on the side of the road?
Other Questions - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Was asked: her plans to implement the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food report on the ERS; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The report of the joint committee covered a range of issues and I responded to it in detail. A number of the committee’s recommendations are precluded by the EU regulations under which the current sch...
As I indicated, the issue of indexation is a principle that is not accepted by the Commission. However, a new scheme will be introduced. The decision on the scheme’s emphasis will be based on the outc...
Under the EU regulation, there is a ceiling at which a payment is allowed to be made. That ceiling will be considered for the new rural development package. The Commission does not believe in indexati...
Other Questions - Export Subsidies.
Was asked: her Department’s position regarding the abolition of export credit refunds by the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The framework agreement for the current WTO round which was concluded in Geneva in August 2004 commits member countries, including the EU, to negotiate detailed rules, including an end-date for the pa...
I will be raising this matter at Monday’s Council of Ministers meeting. An agreement has been made by the Council on the parameters in which our negotiators can work. I believe we cannot go beyond wha...
Written Answers - Farmers’ Markets.
Was asked: if she will capitalise on the heightened awareness of the potential for direct sales of farm produce following popular campaign to have farmers and the wider community exercise traditional market righ...
The Casual Trading Act 1995 gives local authorities responsibility in matters of market rights. Section 7 of the Act provided for a 10 year time-frame within which market rights could be revived, even...
Written Answers - EU Directives.
Was asked: the position regarding the implementation of the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In December, the Minister made Regulations giving le...
Written Answers - Farm Waste Management.
Was asked: the steps she intends adopting in the administration of the farm waste management package, particularly to ensure the quick processing of planning applications; and if she will make a statement on the...
Following receipt of the required EU approval, the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme was launched by my Department on 24 March 2006. Application forms, together with the accompanying terms and cond...
Written Answers - Bovine Diseases.
Was asked: her plans to introduce a bovine vaccination programme for tuberculosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
There is no TB-vaccine licensed anywhere in the world for use in a food producing animal and therefore there is no possibility of introducing a bovine vaccination programme for TB. Indeed, the positio...
Written Answers - Sugar Beet Industry.
Was asked: the steps she intends to take to secure the maximum level of compensation for beet growers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The compensation package negotiated in the context of reform of the EU sugar regime is worth over €310m to Irish stakeholders. There are three elements to the compensation package. The first element i...
Written Answers - Farm Management.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the research by a person (details supplied); and if she will recommend farm management changes and better hedgerow development to reduce the incidents of tuberculosi...
My Department is aware of this recently published research that was carried out in the UK and its findings are being evaluated. It should be noted that this study rates to a small number of farms and ...
Written Answers - Milk Quota.
Was asked: if the consultation process on the possibility of moving to a more open market system for transferring milk quota has been concluded; if not, when it will be; the way in which the consultation process...
In March I announced my intention to move to a more open market system for transferring milk quotas, which will come into effect on the 1st April 2007. My Department and I have made solid progress in ...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to stop the illegal import of exotic birds; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The only circumstances in which exotic birds may be legally imported from Third Countries is as pet birds accompanying their owners who are permanently changing their residence. This is an EU-wide pro...
Written Answers - Special Areas of Conservation.
Was asked: the measures she intends to take to address the problems experienced by farmers in the Shannon Callows as a result of proposals which do not allow them to split their lands for grant aid purposes betw...
The designation of land under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives is a function of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The question of compensation for farmers in the Sh...
Written Answers - Alternative Farm Enterprises.
Was asked: the stage her Department is at in relation to seeking approval in respect of the two bio-energy initiatives she referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 29 March 2006; the person her Departmen...
The Deputy is referring to the proposed Willow for Energy scheme and the Biomass Harvesting scheme. Both proposals are being closely examined in consultation with the Department of Finance and I hope ...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: the progress which has been made on the issue of substantial transformation of food products; if the Commission has published a consultation paper on the matter; and if she will make a statement on th...
‘Substantial transformation’ is a procedure used in normal business operations to allow operators to declare goods as being manufactured in the country where considerable processing has taken place. I...
Written Answers - Dairy Sector.
Was asked: if she has had discussions with the Agriculture Commissioner or her personnel regarding the serious fall in prices and returns to dairy farmers; if she will provide assurances that increased supports ...
Following a number of successful years for the Irish dairy industry on international and EU markets, 2006 is proving to be more challenging for the industry. The butter market, in particular, is under...
Written Answers - Sugar Beet Industry.
Was asked: the procedure she intends to employ when distributing the compensation envelope to those within the sugar industry who face substantial losses; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The compensation package negotiated in the context of reform of the EU sugar regime is worth over €310m to Irish stakeholders. There are three elements to the compensation package. The first element i...
Written Answers - Animal Remedies Regulations.
Was asked: the status of the animal remedies regulations; the discussions to date with the EU on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the status of her application to the EU commission for an exemption list under the animal remedies regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 56 together. The Animal Remedies Regulations 2005 (SI 734/2005), which transpose EU Directive 2004/28, were signed into effect by me on 17 November 2005. On the...
Written Answers - Animal Welfare.
Was asked: if she will explain the circumstances in which a farmer (details supplied) in County Kildare, who was apparently charged with 59 counts of animal cruelty in 2000, was not stopped from keeping livestoc...
Primary responsibility for the welfare of animals lies with the owner or keeper of such animals. The owner/keeper is obliged to take all reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of animals under their c...
Written Answers - Women in Agriculture.
Was asked: the recommendations of the Advisory Committee’s report on the role of women in agriculture which have to be implemented by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Report of the Advisory Committee on the Role of Women in Agriculture was published in September 2000 and contained 36 recommendations in total, covering a very broad range of policy and operationa...
Written Answers - Sheep Industry Sector.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the depression in the sheep industry sector at present and the fact that the sheep population is in serious decline; the action she proposes to take to alleviate the...
The sheep sector plays a very important role in the agricultural sector in Ireland and makes a very valuable contribution to the economy. I am aware that the sector has been affected by various factor...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: her plans to establish an all island food label; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am supportive of initiatives to promote food on all-island basis where this is of mutual benefit and leads to closer economic co-operation. An Bord Bia, as part of its statutory role in promoting th...
Written Answers - Horticulture Sector.
Was asked: the number of grant approvals in relation to the scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture since its inception; the amount per county; if the scheme has resulted in a...
821 projects were approved for investment since the scheme commenced in 2001. The number of approvals, the level of grant aid approved and the value of investments approved per county is detailed in t...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: the way in which and the reason food and food products imported from non-EU countries are being re-labelled and sold here under labels indicating Irish origin with particular reference to the poultry ...
Food business operators who mislead consumers in believing that food which is not of Irish origin is Irish may be committing an offence under existing food labelling legislation. Any such instances sh...
Written Answers - Common Agricultural Policy.
Was asked: her views on developing countries’ demands in World Trade Organisation negotiations for a special safeguard mechanism and special products mechanism to be inserted into future WTO agreements; and if s...
The mandate for the current round of WTO negotiations, the Doha Development Agenda, states that special and differential treatment for developing countries shall be an integral element of all elements...
Written Answers - On-farm Investment Schemes.
Was asked: her plans for the future utilisation of lands previously used to grow sugar beet; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Following the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme last year, farmers now have the freedom to choose whatever farming enterprise is most appropriate to their circumstances. Under the agreement on...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: when she will introduce country of origin labelling within the catering trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The general food labelling legislation comes within the remit of the Department of Health & Children. My Department has responsibility for specific labelling regulations such as the labelling of beef....
Written Answers - Animal Welfare.
Was asked: the steps she intends to take to develop an all Ireland animal health regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
There is already a long history of co-operation between the administrations north and south on animal health issues. The administrations have traditionally shared information at local and national lev...
Written Answers - Animal Identification Scheme.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to ensure that rules governing the insertion of chips into horses are enforced; the number of infractions of this rule which have occurred during each of the past five years; a...
There is no legislative requirement at EU or national level to microchip horses. While microchipping of equidae is not mandatory some of the studbooks approved by my Department include a requirement i...
Written Answers - Veterinary Services.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to provide a countrywide and weekend veterinary service for the issue of prescriptions for animal remedies; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that veterinary practices are primarily commercial entities and their locations are driven by commercial realities. However, insofar as State involvement is concerned, I can p...
Written Answers - Food Industry.
Was asked: the number of meetings of the Food Agency Co-Operation Council in 2004 and 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Food Agency Co-operation Council was established in 2000 under the aegis of my Department to promote the fullest practical co-operation between the State Agencies involved in the food industry, in...
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes.
Was asked: her plans for the distribution of the sugar compensation package; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to protect sugar beet growers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the procedures to be employed to distribute the sugar compensation package; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 96 and 104 together. The compensation package negotiated in the context of reform of the EU sugar regime is worth over €310m to Irish stakeholders. There are three...
Written Answers - Milk Quota.
Was asked: her plans for the allocation of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her plans to revise the allocation of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her proposals on the allocation of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her plans for the allocation of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her plans for the reform of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 39, 48, 63 and 76 together. In March I announced my intention to move to a more open market system for transferring milk quotas, which will come into effect on the...
Written Answers - Common Agricultural Policy.
Was asked: the status of Doha Round World Trade Organisation negotiations in so far as they relate to agriculture; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the status of the World Trade Organisation talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 69 together. The current negotiations on a new World Trade Agreement, which cover a broad trade liberalization agenda, have been under way since they were launc...
Written Answers - Farm Management.
Was asked: her proposals to encourage young people to enter or remain in farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
According to the CSO there were 135,100 farmers in 2003, which is the most recent data available. Of this figure, 15,000 or 11% are under 35 years of age compared to the EU-15 average of 8%. This favo...
Written Answers - Avian Influenza.
Was asked: the powers she has to control ingress and egress into and from Ireland in the event of a serious outbreak of avian flu; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if she is satisfied regarding the measures currently in place to protect Ireland against an outbreak of avian flu; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to prevent an outbreak of avian flu here; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position regarding arrangements to deal with a possible outbreak of avian flu; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 67, 72 and 75 together. The position throughout Europe is relatively stable. To date thirteen Member States have had cases/outbreaks of H5N1 Avian ’flu, of which o...
Written Answers - Alternative Farm Enterprises.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to develop the biofuel sector; the discussions she has had with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the measures she intends to take to promote alternative renewable energy from agriculture; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to develop an alternative energy sector based on agricultural land; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 45 and 83 together. Overall responsibility for energy policy rests with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, who is leading a cross-Depar...
Written Answers - Grant Payments.
Was asked: the average length of time it takes to process an application under the single payment scheme; the reason there have been delays in applicants receiving payment; and if she will make a statement on th...
Was asked: the number of applications received for the single farm payment; the number of payments which have been made to date under the scheme; the number of applications which are awaiting decisions; the numb...
Was asked: the number of farmers awaiting payment under the single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: when all farmers will be issued with the single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 47, 93 and 99 together. One of my main objectives since assuming office as Minister for Agriculture and Food, was to ensure the efficient implementation of the dec...
Written Answers - Dairy Sector.
Was asked: her plans to ensure the future viability of the dairy industry here; her views on the recent remarks by Commissioner Fischer Boel that in view of World Trade Organisation related cuts the EU would pro...
Commissioner Fischer Boel, in her recent address to the Dáil, stated that Ireland and the EU may expect fierce competition in key agricultural markets such as beef and dairy production in the context ...
Written Answers - Farm Waste Management.
Was asked: the grant aid which will be made available to small farmers to manage rainwater under the nitrates action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: when she will increase the costings for grants under the farm building programme; if she has an agreement with farmers through partnership that costings would be reviewed and adjusted on a regular bas...
Was asked: if she is satisfied regarding the allocation of funding available to meet the farm waste management grant scheme.
Was asked: the average rise in the cost of steel over the past five years; if her attention has been drawn to the impact which this is having on the cost of construction of farm buildings; and if she will make a...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 71, 79 and 100 together. Following receipt of the required EU approval, the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme was launched by my Department on 24 March 2006. Th...
Written Answers - Animal Feedstuffs.
Was asked: the basis, scientific or otherwise, for the advice she apparently received late in 2005 that it is acceptable to include meat and bonemeal in dog rations; and if she will make a statement on the matte...
Under the EU Animal By-products Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1774/2002), which came into effect on 1 June 2003, Category 3 meat-and-bone meal, which is derived from animals deemed fit for human con...
Written Answers - Food Industry.
Was asked: the action she is taking to encourage the promotion of locally grown food; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The mission of my Department is to lead the sustainable development of a competitive, consumer focused agrifood sector and to contribute to a vibrant rural economy and society. Agri-Vision 2015 is a c...
Written Answers - Forestry Industry.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to encourage the planting of forestry; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
A comprehensive range of incentives and supports is available from my Department to encourage the planting of forestry. Under the Forestry Grant and Premium Scheme, grants are available to cover 100% ...
Written Answers - Company Closures.
Was asked: the incentives which are available, the incentives she is empowered to make available and the incentives she is prepared to make available to ensure that the site of the Mallow sugar plant is used for...
The question of full dismantling or partial dismantling and the continued use of the Mallow plant for production of another agricultural commodity is a matter for commercial decision by Greencore itse...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: the action she will take to stop the fraudulent sale of vegetable and animal produce with labels claiming it is Irish when in fact it has been imported and merely washed or packed or minimally process...
Food business operators who mislead consumers in believing that food which is not of Irish origin is Irish may be committing an offence under existing food labelling legislation. Any such instances sh...
Written Answers - Animal Welfare.
Was asked: if she will clarify the responsibility her Department has for legislation in relation to domestic animals, for example cats; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department’s statutory responsibility in relation to the welfare and protection of animals relates to animals kept for farming purposes and does not extend to animals kept as pets. My Department do...
Written Answers - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: her Department’s plans to evaluate the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Teagasc has an ongoing programme of research that investigates the potential risks and benefits associated with the growing of GM crops in Ireland including, inter alia, the economic implications. Pre...
Written Answers - Farm Incomes.
Was asked: her plans to ensure farm gate prices are sufficient to enable people to earn a living from farming; and her views on whether farmers will continue to leave farming unless this lack of economic viabili...
The issue of farm incomes and viability is dependant on a number of factors. It should be noted that 82% of net aggregate farm income earned by farmers in 2005 was derived from direct payments; these ...
Written Answers - EU Directives.
Was asked: the status of the application for a derogation to the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In December, the Minister made Regulations giving le...
Written Answers - Organic Farming.
Was asked: if she will report on the figures for 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005 of land certified as organic giving the information as a percent of total land under cultivation and in area size by hectares and acres.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
Written Answers - Decentralisation Programme.
Was asked: the issues that arose in relation to the risk analysis conducted in the context of the decentralisation programme; the way in which these have or will be overcome; and if she will make a statement on ...
Most of my Department’s schemes, services and other operations are complex, have a high financial exposure and relate to critical functions in respect of food safety, animal health and farm support. T...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: if the voluntary code for country of origin labelling within the catering trade has been successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The general food labelling legislation comes within the remit of the Department of Health & Children. My Department has responsibility for specific labelling regulations such as the labelling of beef....
Written Answers - Animal Welfare.
Was asked: the number of animal welfare officers here; the steps she is taking to ensure good animal welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the number of animal welfare officers here; the funding provided by her Department to the ISPCA; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 80 together. My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals. The legislation governing this is the Protecti...
Written Answers - EU Directives.
Was asked: if her Department has determined the lessons which should be learned from the reason the European Court of Justice was able to find Ireland in breach of so many different parts of the Nitrates Directi...
The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The European Court of Justice delivered a judgment in March 2004 that Ire...
Written Answers - Official Engagements.
Was asked: the names of all the people and their organisations who accompanied her on her recent visit to the United States; the outcome of the discussions that took place and with whom; and if she will make a s...
I travelled to the United States on a food business development visit from 28th April to 7th May organised by Enterprise Ireland. I was accompanied from Ireland by the Secretary General of my Departme...
Written Answers - Beef Imports.
Was asked: if she is satisfied regarding Brazilian beef imports; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As a member of the EU and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ireland is in a position to avail of opportunities for trade that are essential for the development of our open economy. Membership of thes...
Written Answers - Dairy Sector.
Was asked: the discussions she has had at EU level to protect dairy supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Irish dairy industry continues to contribute very substantially to the national economy, with an annual output value of some €2.3 billion. Last year Irish dairy exports performed exceptionally wel...
Written Answers - EU Directives.
Was asked: the status of the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In December, the Minister made Regulations giving le...
Written Answers - Food Industry.
Was asked: if she will explain the potential in the speciality food sector following her statement on 11 May 2006; and the way in which the Government can be of assistance to the speciality food sector which wan...
The regional and speciality food sector is worth approximately €475 million in Ireland and is growing at an annual rate of 10%. This expanding sector accounts for over 300 small food enterprises, dist...
Written Answers - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: when the Government intends to draft legislation on the co-existence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming; when she expects to be in a position to bring such legislation...
In 2003 my Department established an interdepartmental/interagency Working Group to identify the issues and implications for Ireland of the cultivation of GM crops and to develop proposals for a natio...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: if her Department was informed by the UK authorities regarding a recent anthrax outbreak on a farm in South Wales; the number of suspected cases of anthrax her Department has investigated during each ...
My Department has been aware for some time that, following the death of five cows on a farm in South Wales, tests revealed that two of the cows tested positive for anthrax. I am satisfied that the mea...
Written Answers - Animal Cruelty.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 4 October 2005, the steps she intends to take regarding the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 162 of 23 June 2005, the steps she intends to take regarding the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 98 together. I have outlined in detail to the House on a number of occasions and most recently on 29 March 2006, the circumstances surrounding this unusual case...
Written Answers - Importation of Bees.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the fact whether or not bees are being imported here; if so, the locations from where they are being imported; the safeguards which are in place to ensure foreign di...
The importation of bees into Ireland is prohibited under the Bees (Regulation of Import) Order 1980, except under licence issued by the Minister for Agriculture and Food. Such licences, may be subject...
Written Answers - Food Safety.
Was asked: the way in which it is intended to maintain food supply with hygiene and traceability standards throughout the European Union in the future in view of World Trade Organisation and CAP reform; if, furt...
The European model of agriculture, which is enshrined in the Common Agricultural Policy, is based on maintaining competitive, multifunctional and sustainable farming dispersed throughout the Union whi...
Written Answers - Bovine Diseases.
Was asked: her plans to review the tuberculosis eradication programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The overall national strategy for the eradication of TB provides for a comprehensive range of measures, including the mandatory annual testing for all cattle in the national herd, the early removal of...
Written Answers - Trade in Horses.
Was asked: her views on introducing a minimum value rule for the export of horses from here to the continent along the lines of that which applies to the export of horses from the UK to continental Europe; the n...
The minimum value rules referred to by the Deputy, which are implemented in the UK are supplementary to European rules, which govern the trade in horses between Member States and prescribe the health ...
Written Answers - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: her position on the release of genetically modified potatoes; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The adjudication of applications for field trials of GM crops is a function assigned to the Environmental Protection Agency, as the competent authority for the purposes of Directive 2001/18/EC on the ...
Written Answers - EU Directives.
Was asked: the status of Ireland’s application for a derogation under the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In December, the Minister made Regulations giving le...
Was asked: her role to date on the implementation of the nitrates action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In December, the Minister made Regulations giving le...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: the funding provided by her Department for the control of varroa in bees; the funding available to beekeepers to control the mite in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Funding for research into the control of Varroa in honey bees has been the main element of my Department’s apiculture programme. From 2002 to 2005, a total of €195,996 was provided to Teagasc towards ...
Written Answers - Importation of Birds.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the import of exotic birds into this country via Rosslare Port on Good Friday 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
On Friday 14th April 2006, a consignment of hobby birds was imported through Rosslare Port to a registered importer. The consignment in question originated in another Member State (the Netherlands) an...
Written Answers - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Was asked: when she intends to introduce a revised early farm retirement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The EU Council Regulation covering the current Early Retirement Scheme will expire in December 2006. The Council Regulation on Rural Development for the period from 2007 to 2013 includes provision for...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: the progress to bring about a national label to improve the customer recognition and marketing of Irish organic produce.
The Report of the Organic Development Committee in 2002 recommended a national label for Irish organic food. The National Steering Group took up this recommendation for the Development of the Organic ...
Was asked: the progress which has been made on the introduction of full labelling of all meat products; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The general food labelling legislation comes within the remit of the Department of Health & Children. My Department has responsibility for specific labelling regulations such as the labelling of beef....
Written Answers - Food Safety.
Was asked: the tests which are carried out to monitor for traces of DDT on scallions imported here from Mexico.
Under the service contract between my Department and the FSAI an annual monitoring programme for the control of pesticide residues in food is agreed. As part of the 2005 programme two samples of Mexic...
Written Answers - Farm Safety.
Was asked: her views on the actions that can be taken to reduce the number of farm accidents; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I welcome the publication last week of the Annual Report 2005 of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) which is the State Agency responsible for the promotion and enforcement of workplace health and s...
Written Answers - Alternative Farm Enterprises.
Was asked: her views on whether a premium of €100 per hectare is necessary to encourage farmers to produce oilseed rape following a statement by one farmer that he would require 700 acres to grow enough of the c...
The production and utilisation of agricultural products for energy purposes can only be sustained in the longer term if biofuels generate a more favourable return than traditional market outlets. I am...
Written Answers - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: her views on the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency to allow the growth of genetically modified potatoes in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The adjudication of applications for field trials of GM crops is a function assigned to the Environmental Protection Agency, as the competent authority for the purposes of Directive 2001/18/EC on the ...
Written Answers - Farm Costs.
Was asked: the way in which farming will have to change as fossil fuel costs rise sharply in response to the global peak in oil production making the cost of machinery and chemicals unaffordable in years to come...
The cost of fuel and energy, driven by rising international prices, is an issue for all parts of the economy including the agricultural sector. The most recent data from the CSO Wholesale Price Index ...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: the progress made regarding substantial transformation of food products; if the Commission has published a consultation paper on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
“Substantial transformation” is a procedure used in normal business operations to allow operators to declare goods as being manufactured in the country where considerable processing has taken place. I...
Written Answers - Grant Payments.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to ensure the maximum possible uptake of the farm waste management grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Following receipt of the required EU approval, the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme was launched by my Department on 24 March 2006. Application forms, together with the accompanying terms and cond...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to introduce an all-island animal health regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
There is already a long history of co-operation between the administrations North and South on animal health issues. The administrations have traditionally shared information at local and national lev...
Written Answers - Farmers’ Markets.
Was asked: if she will capitalise on the heightened awareness of the potential for direct sales of farm produce following the popular campaign to have farmers and the wider community exercise traditional market ...
The Casual Trading Act 1995 gives local authorities responsibility in matters of market rights. Section 7 of the Act provided for a 10 year time-frame within which market rights could be revived, even...
Written Answers - Environmental Policy.
Was asked: if an assurance will be given that the moratorium on clearfelling in catchments with Margaritifera will remain until an appropriate assessment has been undertaken under Article 6 (3) of the Habitats D...
The freshwater pearl mussel is protected under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Wildlife Acts (1976, amended in 2000). This species is currently in decline throughout Europe with sedimentati...
Written Answers - Afforestation Programme.
Was asked: if the review of forestry legislation will include review of the principle object of Coillte Teo, which is defined in the Forestry Act 1988 as to carry on the business of forestry on a commercial basi...
Was asked: if environmental non-governmental organisations will have direct representation nominated by themselves on the consultative group for the review of forestry legislation being undertaken by her forest ...
Was asked: if she will make the full and complete minutes of the Consultative Group on Forestry Legislation publicly available on her Department’s website.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 to 169, inclusive, together. It is not my intention to include a review of Coillte in the present review of forestry legislation. Coillte Teoranta was established ...
Written Answers - Freedom of Information.
Was asked: the outcome of examinations being carried out on the question of Coillte becoming included as an organisation covered by Freedom of Information legislation; and if she will make a statement on the mat...
This matter is still under review but my Department expects to be in a position to conclude its examination of the issue in the near future.
Written Answers - Ministerial Responsibilities.
Was asked: the functions which have been delegated to each Minister of State at her Department; the date on which the relevant order was made; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Mr. Brendan Smith T.D. Minister of State, was given special responsibility for Food and Horticulture and additional responsibilities for the following work areas: •Development of the Food Industry •Mo...
Written Answers - Grant Payments.
Was asked: the reason installation aid was not awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has no record of receiving an application for aid under the Installation Aid Scheme from the person concerned.
Written Answers - Ministerial Appointments.
Was asked: the committees to which she has a right to appoint members; the person appointed; and the date of such appointments.
The position with regard to appointments to the boards of statutory or State bodies under the aegis of my Department and other Ministerial appointments is as shown in the tables. An Bord Bia Teagasc A...
Written Answers - Animal Health.
Was asked: the steps which she is taking to introduce an all-island animal health regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
There is already a long history of co-operation between the administrations North and South on animal health issues. The administrations have traditionally shared information at local and national lev...
Written Answers - Farm Incomes.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to protect dairy farmers' incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Dairy farmers' incomes are made up of the market price paid for milk and direct income support and are influenced by the level of scale and efficiency of individual farm enterprises. The price of milk...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to protect herds against botulism; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Botulism is not a notifiable disease under the Diseases of Animals Acts. However, samples from animals may be submitted for testing to my Department’s Central Veterinary Laboratory or Regional Veterin...
Written Answers - Grant Payments.
Was asked: the plans she has for the single farm payment modulation fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Article 10 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003, which established the common rules for the Single Payment Scheme, provides for a Modulation fund, to be established by reducing SPS payments by 3% ...
Written Answers - Animal Carcase Disposal.
Was asked: the procedures which are in place at each regional veterinary laboratory to dispose of carcasses after analysis; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Carcasses for disposal at each of my Department’s five regional veterinary laboratories are deemed to be animal by-products and are governed by the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1774/2002. They are cl...
Written Answers - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Was asked: the steps that can be taken by an early retirement scheme participant to avoid a penalty where they transfer part of the lease holding to a family member for the construction of a house; the penalty l...
Participants in the 1994 Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming may dispose of an area of pension land up to one hectare without the requirement that it be replaced. Where the area of land in the Sch...
Written Answers - Grant Payments.
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The person named applied to have Single Payment entitlements transferred to him by way of inheritance. My Department has now processed this application and payment amounting to €13,284.80 will issue t...
Was asked: the steps she is taking to ensure the maximum possible uptake of the farm waste management grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Following receipt of the required EU approval, the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme was launched by my Department on 24 March 2006. Application forms, together with the accompanying terms and cond...
Written Answers - Decentralisation Programme.
Was asked: if a site has been acquired in Enniscorthy, County Wexford for the proposed decentralised offices of An Bord Bia; if not, if a site has been identified; the length of time before the site will be acqu...
The acquisition of an appropriate site for Bord Bia in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford under the decentralisation programme is a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). The OPW evaluated a total of 14 p...
Written Answers - Departmental Staff.
Was asked: the number of personnel who were employed by her Department on 1 January 1998; the locations where they were based; the number who are now employed; the locations where they are based; and if she will...
The number of personnel employed by this Department on 1 January 1998 was 3,973. The number of personnel employed on the 16 May 2006 is 4,609. A breakdown of these figures by location is being forward...
Written Answers - Grant Payments.
Was asked: when payment of the EU single farm payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if her attention has been drawn to the urgency of making this payment.
The person named successfully applied for consideration in respect of the Inheritance measure of the Single Payment Scheme. Single Payment amounting to €9157.19 will issue shortly.
Was asked: when a payment of installation aid will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned submitted an application for aid under the Installation Aid Scheme on 27 June 2005. On 19 September 2005, further information in respect of the land transferred was requested from...
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive the single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
An application under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2005. Following processing of the application, it was found that the Single Payment entitlements under ...
Written Answers - Pension Provisions.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has reverted from invalidity pension to disability benefit; when their spouse’s pension will be adjuste...
On 12 May, 2006 my Department wrote to the Department of Social and Family Affairs seeking confirmation of the rate and type of payment the person named is receiving from that Department. On receipt o...
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