Coughlan, MaryTuesday, 27 June 2006 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
Page of 443
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Ceisteanna — Questions - Interdepartmental Committees.
It was a good investment by the Government.
Priority Questions - Proposed Legislation.
Was asked: the status of the implementation of the animal medicines regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Priority Questions - Farm Incomes.
Was asked: her views on the fact that only 22% of those engaged in farming obtained their full income from farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Priority Questions - EU Directives.
Was asked: the status of the nitrates directive and its implementation; 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. The Minister, Deputy Roche, sent proposals to the Eu...
There has been no finality to the regulations that are being discussed by the Departments, Teagasc and the Commission. A number of proposals have been put forward, particularly with regard to REPS. As...
As a Minister who has met many people throughout the country, I am acutely aware of the concerns that exist. I have taken the opportunity to quell some of this anxiety by providing full information. T...
I have also included the training of my inspectors with that matter.
I will opt for universality.
Priority Questions - Animal Welfare.
Was asked: her views on the EU Presidency conclusions which insist on the setting up of a European network of scientific institutes and laboratories responsible for questions relating to animal welfare and that ...
As the Deputy will be aware, an action plan on the protection and welfare of animals was produced by the European Commission earlier this year following a wide consultation process and represents a ro...
If I had time to finish my original answer, I would have said that I was very balanced in my remarks at the meeting and that I believe there should be a balance between improving animal welfare and pr...
I agree, which is why I took the opportunity to write to Commissioner Kyprianou once again on this issue to re-express my concerns vis à vis the importation of meat products. I sometimes sing a lone t...
Other Questions - EU Regulations.
Was asked: if she is satisfied that the same regulations are applied on the import of lamb direct from the UK or via Northern Ireland from the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
EU legislation governing intra-Community trade in sheep prescribes the conditions for trade, which vary by reference to the category of sheep involved. For all categories it is a requirement that a ve...
Let us call a spade a spade. The Deputy’s last question runs contrary to his earlier argument. The importation from the United Kingdom of sheep, lambs and hoggets for slaughter is a legitimate activit...
I assure the Deputy that the Department and Northern Ireland authorities co-operate closely, particularly on animal health and welfare. I agree that the re-establishment of an Executive would be benef...
Other Questions - Price Inflation.
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 same is having on the cost of construction of farm buildings; and if she will make a...
I have recently forwarded to the Deputy detailed figures in regard to the increase in the cost of steel over the past five years, during which it has risen significantly. I am fully aware of the impac...
I suggest the significant increase in the grant will make a difference and it was this Government and my party that pursued it. Let the Opposition not forget that. Sometimes they do not like to hear t...
In the context of the standard costings, these will revert to the beginning of the scheme. The last costing I have is 154.9 in March 2006, an increase of 0.2 from the February level of 154.7. Some 120...
I refute the Deputy’s statement. I intend that we move on standard costings as quickly as possible. It is therefore incumbent on other parties to come forward. I must sign off a large investment progr...
I intend that this will take place very soon. If we do not have an outcome I will have to reconsider my position.
Other Questions - Food Labelling.
Was asked: the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the enforcement of the food labelling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Criminal Justice Bill 2004: Report Stage.
Amendment put.
Voted No
Written Answers - Bovine Disease Controls.
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 - Animal Welfare.
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.
My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals. The legislation governing this is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and ...
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.
As the Deputy is aware, the EU Directive 2004/28, which was transposed into law through the 2005 Animal Remedies Regulations, provided that veterinary medicines for food producing animals may only be ...
Written Answers - Agrifood Sector.
Was asked: her plans to ensure the survival of the agri-food sector with particular reference to the implications of the WTO and the need to recognise this country’s role as a food producer; and if she will make...
The Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan was produced by my Department to map out the actions needed to ensure the ability of the agri-food sector to compete in a changing national and international food mark...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: the action her Department is taking arising from the discovery of equine infectious anaemia here; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has confirmed the presence of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) in horses from two separate establishments in Co. Meath. My Department’s immediate priority has been to identify the extent ...
Written Answers - Milk Quota.
Was asked: her plans for the reform of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
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. It must be borne in mind that over the last five...
Written Answers - Animal Identification Scheme.
Was asked: her plans for simplifying the registration system for sheep here.
On the 14th June I announced that, following discussions at EU level and consultations at national level, certain adjustments were being made to the sheep flock register, to the dispatch document and ...
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes.
Was asked: the reason a person (details supplied) is reportedly receiving €10,000 a week in single farm payments.
The Single Payment Scheme was introduced in Ireland in 2005 as part of the new measures agreed in the Common Agricultural Policy, following conclusion of the Mid-Term Review. As the Deputy will be awa...
Written Answers - Importation of Birds.
Was asked: the steps which she is taking to stop the illegal import of exotic birds; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Following the outbreak of avian influenza in late 2003 in south-eastern Asia, caused by a highly pathogenic strain of the virus, the European Commission adopted a series of protection measures in rela...
Written Answers - Sugar Beet Industry.
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 - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of the Teagasc Report on the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As part of the work related to the establishment of efficient and effective GM coexistence measures I requested Teagasc to carry out an evaluation of the possible national economic implications for th...
Written Answers - Animal Health Policy.
Was asked: the way in which the development of animal health policy is being pursued in the context of north south cooperation; 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 - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
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 bet...
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 - Social Partnership.
Was asked: the status of the agriculture strand of the social partnership talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The negotiations for a successor national partnership agreement to Sustaining Progress commenced in February of this year and have been the subject of a number of meetings with the farming pillar sinc...
Written Answers - Milk Quota.
Was asked: her proposals on the allocation of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
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. It must be borne in mind that over the last five...
Written Answers - Food Safety Standards.
Was asked: when she expects the Brazilian Government to submit an action plan in response to the recommendations of the EU FVO review of the animal health and public health control systems, traceability and cert...
The Commission has confirmed to my Department that the action plan in question has been received from the Brazilian Authorities and is being assessed by the Food and Veterinary Office of the European ...
Written Answers - Alternative Farm Enterprises.
Was asked: the steps which she is taking to develop an alternative energy sector based on agricultural land; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
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: if she will accede to the IFA request for a substantial increase in payments for energy crops with €125 per hectare being recommended for oilseed rape, elephant grass and so on to ensure a viable retu...
Was asked: the measures which she intends to take to promote alternative renewable energy from agriculture; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 66, 71 and 97 together. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has overall responsibility for energy policy and is leading a cross-Departmen...
Written Answers - Food Industry.
Was asked: if she will report on the food forum in the north east which took place on 12 June 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
This forum entitled “Market Focus for Small Food Enterprises” was the second in a series of regional food fora organised by my Department and An Bord Bia to promote regional and local food production....
Written Answers - Milk Quota.
Was asked: the steps she will take to ensure, that the views of a recent Europe-wide study published by the European Association of Agricultural Economists, that in the absence of milk quotas Irish milk output w...
I am aware of the study to which the Deputy refers. The Milk Quota System was introduced in 1984 to control the over-supply of milk in the EU, and the Mid Term Reform of the CAP has ensured its contin...
Written Answers - Farm Consolidation.
Was asked: her plans to increase land mobility; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
There has been some improvement in farm structures in recent years, however, low levels of land sales and land mobility can be obstacles for those who wish to enter farming or expand the size of their...
Written Answers - Cattle Breeding.
Was asked: her views on recent developments in cattle breeding here.
Up to the 1990s my Department operated a series of cattle breed improvement measures including milk recording, on farm weight recording, genetic evaluations, development of livestock improvement progr...
Written Answers - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: her views on the EU stipulation of rules governing the co-existence of genetically modified organism products and conventional products; when the outcome of the consultation on co-existence arrangemen...
Following the decision by the EU Commission that the rules and regulations governing the coexistence of GM crops alongside non GM crops was to be a matter for national authorities, my Department estab...
Written Answers - Farmers’ Markets.
Was asked: if she will now answer Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 18 May 2006 as to whether she will meet with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to establish a programme of re-est...
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 10 of 18th May last, under the Casual Trading Act 1995, local authorities have responsibility for market rights within their functional areas. B...
Written Answers - Forestry Industry.
Was asked: the contribution forestry makes to the environment here.
Forestry makes a significant contribution to the Irish environment. It plays a key role in delivering on targets under both the National Climate Change Strategy and the National Biodiversity Plan. All...
Written Answers - Export Subsidies.
Was asked: her Department’s position regarding the abolition of export 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 p...
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.
Proposals for amendments to the Nitrates Regulations, along with the scientific arguments to justify the changes, were forwarded to the European Commission by the Minister for the Environment, Heritag...
Written Answers - Farm Waste Management.
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.
The revised Farm Waste Management Scheme has been publicised widely. In addition my Department has participated at a number of information meetings arranged by the farm bodies around the country. My D...
Written Answers - Animal Remedies Regulations.
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.
As the Deputy is aware, the EU Directive 2004/28, which was transposed into law through the 2005 Animal Remedies Regulations, provided that veterinary medicines for food producing animals may only be ...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on its report into breaches of food labelling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on its report into breaches of food labelling laws of 90 food businesses completed in 2004; the action which her Department has ta...
Was asked: the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the enforcement of the food labelling laws in view of their report to her Department of breaches in the law under her jurisdict...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 70 and 146 together. The enforcement of food labelling regulations is centralised in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) who ensure that the appropriate co...
Was asked: her plans for the labelling of beef by the catering and restaurant sector.
Was asked: when she will introduce country of origin labelling within the catering trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her views on the success of the voluntary arrangement with the catering industry, for labelling of beef with country of origin; when she expects to be able to include poultry meat in this scheme; her ...
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.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 98, 119 and 144 together. Regulations for the purpose of beef labelling in the restaurant and catering sectors have now been made by the Minister for Health and Ch...
Written Answers - Afforestation Programme.
Was asked: the prospects for forestry plantings in 2006.
Demand under the afforestation scheme has been less than anticipated this year. However, my Department has issued substantial numbers of approvals already and it is still possible that afforestation l...
Written Answers - Fruit and Vegetable Sector.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties for potato growers; and the improvements by way of grant assistance and so on she will make for this sector.
My Department has provided substantial grants for both the ware potato and seed potato sectors in recent years. In 2005 grant aid amounting to €0.56m was paid to the industry of which €458,000 was pai...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: her plans to establish an All Ireland 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 - Forestry Industry.
Was asked: her views regarding the situation where farm forest owners over the past six years received no increase in premium despite large overheads and cost of living increases.
I am aware that the premium paid to forest planters has not been increased since 2000. The premium levels are under review at present.
Written Answers - Alternative Farm Enterprises.
Was asked: her views on the grant assistance available in the bio-energy and agri-environment areas under the research stimulus fund.
The areas of bio-energy and agri-environment are of particular interest due to the environmental advantages of biofuels, the increasing cost of fossil fuels, the opportunity farmers now have to explor...
Written Answers - World Trade Negotiations.
Was asked: the content of her recent discussions with the EU Trade Commissioner in relation to the World Trade Organisation arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her assessment of the state of the World Trade Organisation negotiations; and her efforts to protect the agriculture sector here.
Was asked: the status of the WTO talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the action she is taking to protect agriculture here in the forthcoming World Trade Organisation talks; if the EU Commissioner for Trade is visiting Ireland in the near future; and if she will make a ...
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Agriculture Commissioner, Ms Bohl, reportedly intends to go beyond her mandate in signing off an agreement for the EU at the World Trade Organisati...
Was asked: the status of the Doha round negotiations of the World Trade Organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 75, 91, 95, 100 and 141 together. The current negotiations on a new WTO Agreement, which cover a broad trade liberalisation agenda, have been under way since they ...
Written Answers - EU Directives.
Was asked: the status of the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made Regulations in December 2005 giving legal effect to Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme. The Regulations came into effect on 1 Febr...
Written Answers - Farm Waste Management.
Was asked: her plans for aiding digesters and other new technology to deal with pig and poultry manure arising from the application of the Nitrates Directive.
I recently announced the introduction of a new Scheme, the Scheme of Investment Aid for Demonstration On-Farm Waste Processing Facilities, which will provide grant-aid for up to ten projects throughou...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to reduce inheritable wind disease in National Hunt stallions; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Under the provisions of The European Communities (Equine Stud-Book and Competition) Regulations 2004, SI 399 of 2004, I am empowered to grant approval to a person, an international association or orga...
Written Answers - Sugar Beet Industry.
Was asked: steps which she is taking to protect sugar beet growers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
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.
Was asked: the procedures to be employed to distribute the sugar compensation package; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
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 intends to take to secure the maximum level of compensation for beet growers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the action she will take to secure the maximum level of compensation for beet growers; when this decision will be made; the factors which will influence this decision; and if she will make a statement...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 85, 89, 104, 120 and 393 together. The compensation package negotiated in the context of reform of the EU sugar regime is worth over €310m to Irish stakeholders. T...
Written Answers - Poultry Industry.
Was asked: her views on the recent EFSA report on the incidence of salmonella in eggs in a number of European countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The baseline study on the prevalence of Salmonella in flocks of laying hens, which is the subject of the recent EFSA preliminary report, was conducted in all EU countries during the year from October ...
Written Answers - Milk Quota.
Was asked: the nature of the solid progress she and her Department have made in the continuing consultation process on the detailed arrangements to give effect to her decision in relation to the move to a more o...
In March I announced my intention to move to a more open market system for transferring milk quotas, which will come into effect on 1st April 2007. My Department and I are progressing with the ongoing...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: the steps she has taken or proposes to take to ensure that all meat and poultry sold here accurately reflect the country of origin and that traceability, health, hygiene, husbandry and processing proc...
Regarding the labelling of beef, this is governed by comprehensive EU regulations which were introduced in 2000 and are underpinned by a full national animal identification and traceability system. Th...
Written Answers - World Trade Negotiations.
Was asked: when the World Trade Organisation Consultancy Group last met; the agenda at its last two meetings; when it will meet again; the persons who are the members of the group; their qualifications; and if s...
The WTO Consultative Group was established to enable interested groups and organisations to review and discuss current developments in the ongoing negotiations and to offer material, advice and expert...
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.
My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals. The legislation governing this is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and ...
Written Answers - Food Health Promotion.
Was asked: her plans to more effectively promote fresh vegetables and potatoes as part of a healthy diet for young people particularly in view of the heavy advertising aimed at children by manufacturers of high ...
I am very aware of the need to promote sensible and healthy eating habits among our young people. Not alone do health, diet and nutrition impact on societal well-being, mental health and life expectan...
Written Answers - Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
Was asked: her views on whether the disadvantaged areas scheme might be improved; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The position is that under the current Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowance Scheme over 100,000 farmers qualify for payments totalling some €233million annually. The current payment levels are a...
Written Answers - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: her position on the deliberate release of genetically modified crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The ‘Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Modern Biotechnology’ published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in October 2000 established the Irish Government’s positive but prec...
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.
Proposals for amendments to the Nitrates Regulations, along with the scientific arguments to justify the changes, were forwarded to the European Commission by the Minister for the Environment, Heritag...
Written Answers - Animal Health Policy.
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.
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.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 142 together. There is already a long history of co-operation between the administrations north and south on animal health issues. The administrations have trad...
Written Answers - Farmers’ Markets.
Was asked: if she will provide this Deputy with a list of all the farmers’ markets operating here that her Department is aware of; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
While there is no formal register of Farmers’ markets in Ireland, An Bord Bia, which operates under the aegis of my Department, works closely with other State and local agencies to exploit the growing...
Written Answers - Installation Aid Scheme.
Was asked: the number of young farmers who have applied for an installation grant in each of the past five years; if she is satisfied that every encouragement possible under EU rules is being given to such farme...
The number of applicants in respect of the current Installation Aid Scheme for the past five years is set out in the table below. Every encouragement is being given to young farmers to participate in ...
Written Answers - European Council Meetings.
Was asked: when the next Council of European Agriculture Ministers will be meeting; what is on the agenda; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The next meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 18th July under the Finnish Presidency. I do not expect that the agenda for the meeting will be avai...
Written Answers - Subsidy Payments.
Was asked: the status of the EU Agriculture Commissioner’s stated aim to place a ceiling on the amount of subsidies single land owners can receive; when this ceiling is expected to be discussed at the European C...
I am aware that reference was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in a recent speech to the possibility that a ceiling would be introduced on the amount of subsidies a singl...
Written Answers - Farm Incomes.
Was asked: the action she has taken at EU level to protect the income of dairy farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Dairy farmers’ incomes are made up of a combination of the market price paid for milk and direct income support. The price of milk paid to dairy farmers is a commercial matter between milk producers a...
Written Answers - Departmental Investigations.
Was asked: the position regarding Parliamentary Question No. 2 of 18 May 2006; if the meeting took place with the persons concerned; if a date from the Environmental Protection Agency was provided; and if she wi...
The herd owner, his private veterinary practitioners, representatives from my Department and a number of other agencies attended the meeting which was held on 2 June 2006. At that meeting which was ch...
Written Answers - Animal Feedstuffs.
Was asked: when she expects to receive and to publish the Inter-Department Agency Committee to Examine Meat and Bone Meal Disposal in Non-Agriculture or Energy Sectors Report; the persons who are the members of ...
The Report of the Inter Departmental/Agency Committee on Disposal Options for Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) was submitted to Government on 9 December 2003. The Report is available on the Department’s websi...
Written Answers - Energy Crops Scheme.
Was asked: when the EU Commission will be reviewing the operation of the premium allowed under the energy crops scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
While Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 provides, inter alia, for the payment of Aid for Energy Crops, at a rate of €45.00 per hectare on arable land, in respect of products considered as biofuels,...
Written Answers - Nitrates Action Programme.
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 Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made Regulations in December 2005 giving legal effect to Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme. Those Regulations were finalised in consul...
Written Answers - Afforestation Programme.
Was asked: the way in which she will remedy the shortfall in the afforestation programme which over the past 20 years saw an average of 15,000 hectares of new forests per year while in the past three years the a...
Was asked: the steps which she is taking to encourage the planting of forestry; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her plans to improve the area of forestry being planted; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 149 and 369 together. A comprehensive range of incentives and supports is available to encourage the planting of forests in Ireland. Under the current Forestry Gr...
Written Answers - Beef Imports.
Was asked: the amount of beef imported from each part of Brazil during each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department does not capture the level of detail of data requested by the Deputy. This information is contained on health certificates that accompany all imported consignments and are retained at Bo...
Written Answers - Dairy Industry.
Was asked: the discussions she has had at EU level to protect dairy supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the steps she is taking to maintain and improve the support for dairy farmers at Irish and European level; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 143 together. The Irish dairy industry continues to contribute very substantially to the national economy, with an annual output value of some €2.3 billion. In...
Written Answers - Meat Imports.
Was asked: the amount of meat other than beef, pork and chicken, imported for 2003, 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is responsible for the collection of statistics in relation to imports of meat other than beef, pork and chicken. The following tables, compiled from data supplied ...
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes.
Was asked: the criteria for receipt of national reserve entitlements from an equity point of view, in view of the fact that a 22 year old agricultural college graduate, who not owning land can just about afford ...
The position is that the Single Payment Scheme is applicable to farmers who farmed during the three-year reference period 2000- 2002, who drew down livestock or Arable Aid premia in at least one of th...
Written Answers - Food Safety Standards.
Was asked: if she will ensure that food imports into Ireland can be stood up as having the same high standards of traceability, hormone use limitations, country of origin labelling and so on particularly followi...
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 - Farm Waste Management.
Was asked: the number of applications that have been made to her Department for the farm waste management scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced last March. A total of 4,378 applications under that Scheme have been received in the Department up to the...
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 ...
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 inadequate tagging and traceability in that c...
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 - Energy Crops Scheme.
Was asked: when the bond for 2005 growers of oilseed rape crop grown for bio-fuels will be repaid; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Chapter 8 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1973/2004 provides for the payment of aid to applicants under the Scheme of Aid for Energy Crops, before the raw material is processed. The aid, which is pay...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: if she is satisfied regarding the measures currently in place to protect this country against an outbreak of avian flu; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The decline of the avian influenza epidemic in wild birds, which has affected a total of 13 Member States since last February, has continued this month, with no cases in wild birds being notified thro...
Written Answers - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: when she expects to receive the final report of the World Trade Organisation Disputes Panel on the claims by the US, Canada, and others that the de facto moratorium on the approval of new genetically ...
The WTO panel has recently issued its Final Report to the parties to the dispute (the EU, Argentina, Canada and the US). According to WTO rules, the Final Panel Report remains confidential until it ha...
Written Answers - Fruit and Vegetable Sector.
Was asked: her views on the assistance available to the seed potato sector; and her plans for the sector.
In August 2005 I announced a new scheme of investment aid for the development of the seed potato sector under the National Development Plan. The scheme aims to speed up improvements in the marketing i...
Written Answers - Dairy Industry.
Was asked: the action she intends to take to further promote alternative markets abroad in view of the fact that Ireland is 300 per cent self-sufficient in dairying and beef; and if she will make a statement on ...
As regards dairy products, I am very pleased to report that this sector has enjoyed a number of successful years on international and EU markets and exports of dairy products and ingredients accounted...
Written Answers - Poultry Industry.
Was asked: her plans for the poultry sector in view of difficulties resulting from the outbreak of avian influenza in other European countries.
In April the Council of Agriculture Ministers adopted Regulation 679/2006 which provides a legal basis for exceptional market support measures for the poultry sector where there are serious market dis...
Written Answers - Dairy Industry.
Was asked: the action she is taking to implement the Prospectus Report on Dairy Farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
A strategic study of the Irish Dairy Industry, now known as the Prospectus Report, was commissioned by my Department in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and the dairy industry itself and published ...
Written Answers - EU Directives.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to changes in her Department’s method of dealing with the implementation of EU agriculture related Directives, in view of the European Court of Justice’s judgment in Ma...
My Department keeps under regular review the implementation of Directives for which it has primary responsibility. The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for th...
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.
I wish to inform the Deputy that 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 ali...
Written Answers - Farm Incomes.
Was asked: when the next report of the Steering Group on Farm Household Incomes will be ready; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I have no plans to call together a further Steering Group on Farm Household Incomes. The recent introduction of the EU survey of Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) conducted by the Central Statist...
Written Answers - Beef Imports.
Was asked: if she has satisfied herself in relation to Brazilian in 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 - Farm Inspections.
Was asked: her plans for inspections under the cross compliance requirements of the single farm payments scheme in 2006; and the way in which this compares with the level of inspections in 2005 and 2004.
The rate of on-farm inspections for cross-compliance in Ireland in 2005 was 1% of farmers for each Statutory Management Requirement (SMR) other than identification and registration of bovine animals w...
Written Answers - Departmental Agencies.
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 - Food Imports.
Was asked: the breakdown of all the products surrendered by being put in the amnesty bins at airports here for surrender of animal product that has been inadvertently carried into Ireland; and if she will make a...
The personal import into the EU for one’s own consumption of meat, meat products or milk products by passengers coming from third countries has, since January 2003, been prohibited under Community law...
Written Answers - Agrifood Sector.
Was asked: her key priorities for the development of the agri-food sector.
My key priorities for the agri-food sector are to increase its competitiveness, strengthen its emphasis on innovation and research and improve its consumer focus. The actions to achieve these prioriti...
Written Answers - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: her position on the release of genetically modified crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The ‘Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Modern Biotechnology’ published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in October 2000 established the Irish Government’s positive but prec...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of her Department’s submission to the EU consultative document on Labelling, Competitiveness, Consumer Information and Better Regulation in the EU; and if s...
The Directorate General for Health & Consumer Protection asked Member States to submit any observations it has on food labelling as part of its overall examination of the current food labelling legisl...
Written Answers - Horticulture Industry.
Was asked: her views on the progress in expanding the horticulture sector here.
The farm-gate production value of the horticulture sector continues to expand and is now estimated at €300 million. The key issue which has impacted on the development of the horticulture industry as ...
Written Answers - Farm Consolidation.
Was asked: the action she is taking to ensure a greater level of farm consolidation is encouraged; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Developing scale and efficiency is an important component to having a commercial full-time farming sector. The Government has a number of incentives in place that encourage greater levels of land mobi...
Written Answers - Animal Remedies Regulations.
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, in so far as State involvement is concerned, I can...
Written Answers - Forestry Industry.
Was asked: her views on the value of the forestry sector to the economy; and the number of jobs involved in the sector.
The forestry sector provides a high value input to the national economy, and makes a significant contribution to the economic well being of rural communities. Recent economic data reveals that forestr...
Written Answers - Live Exports.
Was asked: her views on live cattle exports and cattle slaughterings in meat plants here to date in 2006 compared with the same period in 2005.
Live exports continue to be an important outlet for our cattle, providing an essential element of competition with the beef trade. Following a near 40% increase in such exports in 2005, the strong upw...
Written Answers - National Genotyping Programme.
Was asked: her plans to review the National Genotyping Programme; her views on extending the provisions of the scheme, including the payment of compensation, to rams that were genotyped prior to 1 September 2005...
The enhancements introduced under the National Genotyping Programme in 2005 only applied to sheep genotyped between 1 September 2005 and 18 November 2005. The enhancements included the payment of a fl...
Written Answers - Farm Waste Management.
Was asked: the steps which she is taking to ensure that farm building grants cover the increasing cost of construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Standard Costings used for the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme are currently under review. Revised costings will be introduced following completion of that review.
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.
With regard to rainwater, the technical specifications for farm buildings operated by my Department for the purposes of the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme require the installation of adequate ar...
Written Answers - Milk Quota.
Was asked: her plans for the allocation of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In March I announced my intention to move to a more open market system for transferring milk quotas, which will come into effect on 1st April 2007. It must be borne in mind that over the last five yea...
Written Answers - Sheepmeat Industry.
Was asked: when a strategy implementation group will be appointed on foot of the recent Sheep Industry Development Strategy Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that I welcomed the recent publication of this report which sets out positive recommendations for the future development of the sheep sector. It is now very important that all...
Written Answers - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Was asked: her plans to implement the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food’s 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. As I explained in my response, a number of the Committee’s recommendations are precluded by the EU Regulati...
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes.
Was asked: if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has received their full payment for 2005 under the single payment scheme in view of the fact that they had expected more; and the way in which the entitle...
The person named had 6.73 entitlements with a gross value of €1,759.35. She successfully applied under the Inheritance measure of the Single Payment Scheme and received a further 3.36 entitlements wit...
Written Answers - Food Industry.
Was asked: the number of mushroom growers who are in production at the present time; the number who were in production on 1 January 2000; if she has satisfied herself that everything possible is being done to he...
At the start of 2006, the number of growers producing mushrooms in Ireland was estimated at 130, compared to 500 growers in 2000. Although the number of growers has reduced considerably and continues ...
Written Answers - Farm Household Statistics.
Was asked: the number of full-time farmers in County Tipperary in each year from 1990 to date in 2006; the number of part-time farmers during the same period; her views on the figures; and if she will make a sta...
The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. The CSO Farm Structure Survey provides regional estimates and Table 1 and 2 below show figures for the Mid-West and South East regions i...
Written Answers - Installation Aid Scheme.
Was asked: the number of new entrants to farming each year since 1990; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The information requested by the Deputy is not recorded by my Department or by the Central Statistics Office. My Department has figures on the number of young trained farmers who received “Installatio...
Written Answers - Sugar Beet Industry.
Was asked: the plans her Department has for the sugar beet contracts in south Kildare; if interested parties have shown an interest in setting up an ethanol business in this area; the supports she is putting in ...
Was asked: the way in which her Department has proceeded in relation to the provision of alternative crops for the farming community of the midlands including Kildare, Carlow and Wicklow and the south east, to o...
Was asked: the steps she proposes to take to encourage the beet growing sector to diversify with particular reference to the need to maintain farm incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 374, 385 and 402 together. Following the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme last year, farmers now have the freedom to choose whatever farming enterprise is mos...
Written Answers - Cereal Sector.
Was asked: the plans her Department has for the barley growers of south Kildare following the recent downsizing of a manufacturing facility in that area (details supplied) in view of the fact that one of the rea...
Was asked: the plans her Department has for the barley growers of south Kildare following the downsizing of a local manufacturing unit in the area (details supplied); if alternative crop usages are being conside...
Was asked: her Departments position in relation to the provision of alternative crops for the farming community of the midlands including Kildare, Carlow and Wicklow and the south east, to overcome the loss of t...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 375, 383 and 386 together. Ireland is a surplus producer of malt with exports in the region of 50,000 tonnes. Following the closure of the Banagher plant last Septembe...
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes.
Was asked: when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a 2005 single payment scheme payment on the entitlements attached to land that they purchased in 2005; when this matter will be resolved; an...
The person submitted a Private Contract Clause application to transfer in entitlements under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. The application has been successful, and it is expected that payment will i...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: the investigations which have taken place into the contamination of equine serum with equine infectious anemia virus; the manufacturer and importer of the product; if the product is licensed here; if ...
Following the confirmation of the presence of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) in horses from two separate establishments in Co Meath, my Department’s immediate focus was on the containment and immedia...
Written Answers - Commonage Division.
Was asked: the reason payment did not issue in 2005 for commonage to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single payment scheme; and if payment will issue.
Was asked: the reason payment did not issue in 2005 for commonage to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single payment scheme; and if payment will issue.
Was asked: the reason payment did not issue in 2005 for commonage to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single payment scheme; and if payment will issue.
Was asked: the reason a payment did not issue in 2005 for commonage to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single payment scheme; and if payment will issue.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 to 381, inclusive, together. Applications under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme were received from the persons named in May 2005. The persons named declared lands a...
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes.
Was asked: when an appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be made under the national reserve element of the single farm payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B. Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 ...
Was asked: when a decision will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny regarding an application under the national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve, under category D. Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming afte...
Written Answers - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Was asked: the reasons for non payment of a farm retirement pension to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary, for the period from the date of application July 28, 2003, to date payment of pension comme...
The Early Retirement Scheme application of the person named was received in my Department on 25 July 2003. On preliminary examination, this application was found to be incomplete. The outstanding docu...
Written Answers - Equal Opportunities Employment.
Was asked: the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by her Department; if the 3 per cent target be surpassed or is her Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people ...
2.6% of the staff of my Department acknowledge having a disability. My Department is committed to the employment of people with a disability and there is no restriction on the percentage of people wit...
Written Answers - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Was asked: the communication she has had with any company wishing to conduct genetically modified crop trials here.
I have not engaged with any company wishing to conduct genetically modified crop trials in Ireland. The Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority for the purposes of EU Directive 2001...
Was asked: her views on whether a genetically modified potato variety (details supplied), due to be grown in Summerhill, County Meath, was not destined or suitable for the Irish domestic market; and if, in view ...
EU Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms lays down a binding, community-wide, framework fo...
Written Answers - Proposed Legislation.
Was asked: if she will report on progress to review the Forestry Act 1946 ; if this review will increase the number of tree protection orders as well as the protection measures for trees on development sites; an...
My Department is currently undertaking a review of existing forestry legislation. A Consultative Group, made up of representatives from various commercial, state and voluntary agencies, was establishe...
Written Answers - Poultry Industry.
Was asked: her views on the most humane way of killing poultry in the event of culling becoming necessary.
In the context of testing the contingency plan measures foreseen in the event of an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a poultry flock, my Department has undertaken two controlled slaugh...
Written Answers - Agrifood Sector.
Was asked: the extent to which she has monitored the development of the agri-food sector in the aftermath of CAP reform; the most recent indicators with particular reference to expanding the industry in line wit...
It should be remembered that the introduction of the decoupling of agricultural direct payments from production only came into effect on 1st January 2005. This is a relatively short time-scale in whic...
Written Answers - Food Exports.
Was asked: the new export markets that have become available to Irish food exports in the past five years; the number of such markets that have been closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The 2015 Agri Vision Report recognised the importance of exports to the Irish food industry and the subsequent Action Plan includes a commitment to joint action by stakeholders to identify new markets...
Written Answers - Dairy Industry.
Was asked: her views for the future development of the dairy industry with particular reference to competition on both home and export markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Irish dairy sector has enjoyed much success on international and EU markets in recent years and performed solidly again in 2005. Overall, exports of Irish dairy products and ingredients amounted t...
Written Answers - Beef Industry.
Was asked: her plans for the future development of the beef industry; the export markets where growth is expected; the locations where greater competition is expected; the extent to which imports are expected to...
Irish beef exports are now concentrated in the high value UK and Continental markets. This is a result of the combination of the targeting of these markets by exporters, the promotion work carried out...
Written Answers - Farm Household Incomes.
Was asked: the way in which farm incomes will develop in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Competitiveness is the major issue for the farm sector. It will dictate the commercial future of our farms and ultimately it will decide farm income. For this reason, the longest Chapter in the Agri-V...
Written Answers - Food Industry.
Was asked: the number of people employed in the food industry; the extent to which numbers have fluctuated in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Information from the Quarterly National Household Survey supplied by the Central Statistics Office to my Department shows some fluctuation within a modest range in the numbers employed in the food and...
Written Answers - Food Exports.
Was asked: this country’s main competitors in European and global markets in the area of food exports; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ireland faces a wide variety of competitors on EU and world markets for the range of products we export. The ability to compete on agricultural markets is based on a number of factors. These include t...
Written Answers - Farm Household Incomes.
Was asked: her plans to improve farm incomes in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Farm incomes are generated primarily by a combination of returns from the market and direct payments. My Department continues to support farm incomes through the provision of the Single Farm Payment a...
Written Answers - Bovine Disease Controls.
Was asked: the position in regard to bovine tuberculosis eradication with particular reference to the number of incidents in the past five years; the way in which this compares with other jurisdictions; and if s...
The current T.B. eradication programme has brought about a significant improvement in the incidence of bovine tuberculosis, as the following table shows: There has been a steady decline in the numbers...
Written Answers - Animal Feedstuffs.
Was asked: if she has satisfied herself that the use of meat and bone meal in animal feed stuffs has been discontinued entirely; if there have been breaches of this regulation; and if she will make a statement o...
In December 2000 the EU introduced a total ban on the use of certain proteins derived from mammals, including mammalian meat and bone meal (MBM), in the diets of farmed animals. The ban remains in pla...
Written Answers - Cereal Sector.
Was asked: her views on the future of cereal growing here; her plans to develop and expand in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The year 2005 marks one of the most significant developments in the recent history of Irish farming — as policy shifts from production supports to the decoupled Single Payment Scheme. The new CAP regi...
Written Answers - Deer Farming.
Was asked: the number of persons involved in deer farming; the extent to which the enterprise is expanding or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Official data on deer farming is available from the Census of Agriculture which is carried out by the Central Statistics Office roughly every ten years. The first and so far only Census of Agriculture...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Was asked: the degree to which animal disease eradication in this country compares with other EU States; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department accords a high priority to maintaining Ireland’s high status in relation to animal health and welfare in the context of protecting consumers and in view of the economic and social import...
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes.
Was asked: the number of applications received for assistance under the force majeure heading; the number that have been granted, refused or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The position is that a total of 17,597 applications were received for consideration under the Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances measure of the Single Payment Scheme. The number of successful app...
Written Answers - Fruit and Vegetable Sector.
Was asked: her plans for the development and expansion of the fruit and vegetable industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The farm-gate production value of the fruit and vegetable sector continues to expand and is now estimated at €220 million. The key issue which has impacted on the development of the fruit and vegetabl...
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes.
Was asked: if all payments due to farmers under the various aid or headage payment schemes are up to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
One of my main objectives since assuming office as Minister for Agriculture and Food was to ensure the efficient implementation of the decoupled Single Payment Scheme — the most significant change to ...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: if she has satisfied herself that all food exports are fully labelled and traceable; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The enforcement of food labelling regulations is centralised in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) who ensure that the appropriate controls are carried out by the relevant official agencies. ...
Was asked: 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 sector; and if she wi...
The general food labelling legislation, as set out in the EU Directive 2000/13/EC and implemented in this country by the European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) 20...
Written Answers - Food Industry.
Was asked: the way in which she proposes to enhance the marketing of Irish beef and lamb here and overseas; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Irish beef industry is worth €1.3 billion in foreign earnings to the national economy annually. Ireland produced 524,000 tonnes of beef in 2005, exporting 487,000 tonnes, which represents 93% of o...
Written Answers - Meat Imports.
Was asked: if she is satisfied that all imports of meat and meat products into this country are compliant with husbandry production and traceability standards applicable here; and if she will make a statement on...
Detailed EU legislation lays down the conditions that Member States must apply to the production of and trade in products of animal and fish origin as well as to imports of these products from third c...
Written Answers - Animal Feedstuffs.
Was asked: the volume of pet foods imported into the country; if she is satisfied that European traceability and husbandry requirements have been applied in all cases; and if she will make a statement on the mat...
Data supplied by the Central Statistics Office indicates that the total quantity of pet food imported into this country from January to December 2005 was 53,727 tonnes. Importers of pet foods are requ...
Written Answers - Pigmeat Industry.
Was asked: the position in regard to the pig meat industry with particular reference to the extent of imports as a percentage of national production; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The following table summarises the estimated quantities of pigmeat produced, imported, consumed and exported in 2005 (product weight equivalent). It indicates that imports are the equivalent of 50% of...
Written Answers - Fruit and Vegetable Sector.
Was asked: the acreage of potatoes grown here in 2006; the most prominent varieties; the value of the crop; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The CSO estimated that the area of potatoes grown in 2005 was 12,200 hectares. All indications are that the area will be lower in 2006. Official CSO figures for 2006 plantings will not be available un...
Written Answers - Food Industry.
Was asked: the extent to which the food industry here is keeping pace with international developments in the area of pre-cooked, frozen or oven ready products; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Pre-cooked, frozen or oven ready products may all be classified under the heading prepared consumer foods. The Irish prepared consumer foods sector is currently the fastest growing food sub sector wit...
Written Answers - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Was asked: the number of participants in the original REP scheme; the number currently in the scheme; the number of participants who are required to make refunds payments to her Department; and if she will make ...
In 2000 there were 44,802 participants in the first rural environment protection scheme. All contracts in that scheme are now concluded. There are currently 48,087 participants in REPS. As of 31 May 2...
Written Answers - Food Labelling.
Was asked: the success or otherwise of her efforts to discourage misleading re-labelling of meat or meat products; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
A range of actions have already been undertaken by my Department in implementing the recommendations of the food labelling group which examined in detail the complex area of food labelling. One of the...
Written Answers - Food Industry.
Was asked: if Irish suppliers of meat, dairy and other food products are given an equal opportunity to tender to supply the major food chains; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Total output of the food industry is valued at €15 billion, of which exports account for €7 billion. Ireland is an open economy and I fully believe that the future of Irish food producers and the indu...
Written Answers - Deer Farming.
Was asked: the total production, home consumption and export of venison in each of the past five years; the extent to which markets have expanded or contracted; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Figures available from 2002 show the number of deer slaughtered in export-approved plants as follows: These figures do not include a significant number of animals now being sent to Northern Ireland. T...
Written Answers - Agricultural Development.
Was asked: the role research and development is expected to play in the future of agriculture with particular reference to the need to expand and compete; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
A combination of factors such as the reformed CAP, increasing trade liberalisation and rapidly evolving markets means that efficiency and innovation based on sound scientific knowledge will be essenti...
Written Answers - Food Industry.
Was asked: her views on the future development of the lamb and pig meat sectors, having regard for access to export markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The sheep industry strategy group established in December 2005 under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, reported on 1 June 2006. Its report covers all aspe...
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes.
Was asked: if she will ensure that a decision is made on the single payment application of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.
An application under the Single Payment Scheme-Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2005. The application was randomly selected for an on-the-s...
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