Coveney, SimonTuesday, 6 March 2012 |
Dáil Éireann Debate
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Question put: “That the Bill be now read a Second Time.”
Voted No 
Topical Issue Debate - Milk Quota
I thank the Deputy for raising this issue which is indeed topical. During the past 12 months my Department and I have been active in raising the question of an adjustment to the milk quota regime at ...
I will finish on this point. Farmers must take responsibility for themselves in the meantime. At the end of 2011 they were just under quota, but there is a significant danger that if they produce as...
That is exactly what the last Government signed up to.
I do not want to take a political view, but the milk health check was signed up to by the previous Government to achieve what the Deputy would like to see, a soft landing in the transition from a quot...
Topical Issue Debate - Mackerel Fisheries
I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. It will not come as news to him that this has caused me a great deal of concern. Mackerel is the most valuable fish stock for the Irish fishing fleet and pr...
For the purposes of clarity, I would like to inform the House of what the proposed sanctions entail. The European Commission has proposed a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council wh...
Written Answers - Departmental Expenditure
Was asked: the amount of funding Horse Sport Ireland received in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 in respect of the Irish draught horse.
HSI is in receipt of an annual grant and funding under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 from my Department to assist its work in promoting and developing the non-thoroughbred horse industry, in...
Written Answers - Horse Racing Ireland
Was asked: if he will provide the names of the studbooks maintained by Horse Sport Ireland.
Horse Sport Ireland is approved by my Department, in accordance with the relevant EU and National Zootechnical legislation, to maintain studbooks for the Irish Sport Horse and Irish Draught Horse bree...
Was asked: the number of stud books maintained by Horse Sport Ireland.
Horse Sport Ireland is approved by my Department, in accordance with the relevant EU and National Zootechnical legislation, to maintain two studbooks.
Written Answers - Grant Payments
Was asked: the position regarding a dairy hygiene grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and when a decision will issue.
The person concerned submitted an application under the Dairy Equipment Scheme under the first tranche on 27 April, 2011. The application was approved into the scheme on 1 November 2011. The person ...
Written Answers - International Agreements
Was asked: when he makes his submission to the United Nations global plan, if he will ensure the world and its growing population will have enough food to eat, and if he will prioritise small-scale farmers in d...
The first discussions on the Global Strategic Framework will be held at the FAO Regional Conferences. The European Regional Conference, which my Department will be attending, will take place in April...
Written Answers - Poultry Industry
Was asked: if he will provide mortality figures and other information (details supplied) in relation to factory farmed broilers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine does not keep records of mortality figures for factory farmed broilers. The majority of broilers are reared under contract to processors and these f...
Written Answers - Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Was asked: if inspectors under the REP scheme are entitled to carry out unannounced inspections on farmers’ properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to the relevant EU Regulations in relation to inspection procedures and other issues. My Department’s policy w...
Written Answers - Disadvantaged Areas Scheme
Was asked: if horses are eligible to be counted as livestock for stocking density purposes under the 2012 disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The proposed changes to the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, including the proposed changes relating to the calculation of the minimum stocking density requirements, are still the subject of discussio...
Written Answers - Harbours and Piers
Was asked: when an announcement will be made on grants in respect of piers and harbours for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department is currently assessing all applications made for funding from the 2012 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Individual applications are being assessed in th...
Written Answers - Departmental Expenditure
Was asked: if he will provide the details and costs of any newspaper supplements his Department has been involved with over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department contributed to one Newspaper supplement over the past 12 months at a cost of €48,400 including VAT. The publication entitled “A-Z of Agri-Food” was published last December and circulate...
Was asked: the details of the total photography costs his Department incurred at the National Ploughing Championships; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The amount spent on photography by my Department at the 2011 National Ploughing Championships was €6,762.85. This represents the costs associated with the Minister and Minister of State over the 3 da...
Written Answers - Animal Diseases
Was asked: if he will provide an update on the Schmallenberg virus which is currently in the UK and other parts of Europe; the precautions and measures that have been put in place to safeguard the Irish agri-fo...
Schmallenberg virus is a newly emerging disease. There is no evidence to suggest that the disease is transmissible to humans. The disease is not officially notifiable and there is no evidence that t...
Written Answers - Afforestation Programme
Was asked: if he will ensure that the restrictions in place at present with regard to planting forests are changed in order to enable more farmers to plant land to ensure their future viability and sustainabili...
The afforestation schemes provide attractive grants and premiums to incentivise the planting of agricultural land by farmers and other landowners, to support the continued development of a viable and ...
Written Answers - Grant Payments
Was asked: the position regarding an agri-environment options scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based paymen...
Was asked: if a farmer can establish entitlements if they have rented land on a year to year basis only; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the Single Payment Scheme introduced in Ireland in 2005 entitlements were established for farmers who were actively farming during the 2000-2002 reference years and who were paid Livestock and/o...
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 544 of 24 January 2012, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €878.08 issued in respect of 2010. Payment in ...
Written Answers - International Agreements
Was asked: if he intends to prioritise small scale farmers in his submission to the UN Global Strategic Framework for Food Security and Nutrition; if he or one of his officials will be attending the UN Committe...
The first discussions on the Global Strategic Framework will be held at the FAO Regional Conferences. The European Regional Conference, which my Department will be attending, will take place in April...
Written Answers - Horticulture Sector
Was asked: if, due to the expansion in the agri-food economy, there are any plans to develop part-time and evening courses or degrees in horticulture.
This is an operational matter for Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority whose principal functions are to provide, or procure the provision of, educational, training, research and adv...
Written Answers - Harbours and Piers
Was asked: if he has received a business plan and proposal from an organisation for lease renewal at a location (details supplied) in County Dublin; the support and assistance he can provide to the organisation...
The property referred to at No. 6 West Pier is currently the subject of court proceedings. The matter is therefore sub judice and it is inappropriate for me to comment on or engage in discussion in r...
Written Answers - Grant Payments
Was asked: when payment for the agri-environment options scheme 2011 will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and full payment totalling €833.31 issued in respect of 2010. Under the E...
Was asked: when an application for a grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person named registered fourteen beef breed animals under the 2011 Suckler Welfare Scheme. The applicant provided information that all of the calves were weaned on the same day, which is contrary...
Written Answers - Salmon Hardship Scheme
Was asked: if an application will be accepted under the salmon hardship scheme for fishermen who did not take up the offer at the time and who have now retired from fishing; if they will be accommodated for com...
The Salmon Hardship Scheme is the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and I have no role in relation to the scheme.
Written Answers - Animal Welfare
Was asked: the role of the Turf Club in relation to a complaint relating to the welfare of horses while in training with a licensed trainer in view of the fact that he referred to this matter in Parliamentary Q...
The Turf Club is a private body which, together with Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee (INHSC), is responsible for the making and enforcing of the Rules of Racing in Ireland. An individual w...
Written Answers - Installation Aid Scheme
Was asked: if he has any intention of reintroducing the installation aid grant for young farmers wishing to take over the family farm; and if he could outline any incentives he may be considering to encourage y...
The Young Farmers’ Installation Scheme was closed to new applicants on 14 October 2008 and I have no plans to reopen the Scheme at this time. A number of tax measures were contained in the 2012 Budge...
Written Answers - Grant Payments
Was asked: the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received part of their single farm payment for 2010 even though an application to transfer single payment entitlements for 2010 was grant...
A Transfer of Entitlements application was received requesting the transfer of 5.14 Single Payment entitlements to the person named from another farmer by way of lease ending 31 December 2012. This a...
Written Answers - International Agreements
Was asked: when he is making his submission to the United Nations global plan, if he will prioritise small-scale farmers, especially women, in developing countries, in his submission to the UN Global Strategic ...
The first discussions on the Global Strategic Framework will be held at the FAO Regional Conferences. The European Regional Conference, which my Department will be attending, will take place in April...
Written Answers - Fishing Industry Development
Was asked: his views on the disparity between the price paid to fishermen for their catch and the price charged to consumers (details supplied).
Was asked: his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding fair trade for fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 450 and 466 together. While I would like to see fishermen receive a fair price for their catch, I have no role in determining the price they receive from processors, ...
Written Answers - Forestry Sector
Was asked: if the 100% forestry grants will still be paid to new buyers of Coillte forestry.
As recently announced by the Government, consideration will be given to the sale of some assets of Coillte, excluding the sale of land, when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price...
Written Answers - Irish Horseracing Industry
Was asked: the way the programme expenditure in 2012, projected in the Estimates at €56.29 million, a 1.75% drop on 2011, under the heading Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund will contribute to the relevant high l...
The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund) under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 (t...
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes
Was asked: if he considers it acceptable that farmers and agents who are now submitting their single farm payment applications on-line, are not being given the conditions for the 2012 disadvantaged area scheme....
It is intended that revised Terms and Conditions for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will be published immediately the proposed changes, as announced following the 2012 Budget, are agreed by the E...
Was asked: the number of farmers in County Donegal currently in the agri-environment option scheme that will be affected by the new specifications for managing species rich grassland, introduced in 2011, which ...
The new specification introduced in 2011 specified that supplementary feeding was not permitted on areas claimed as Species Rich Grassland and applies to AEOS 2 only. 786 Donegal farmers selected Spe...
Written Answers - Grant Payments
Was asked: the progress made on the re-digitisation of a parcel of land (details supplied) in County Offaly; when the applicant will receive their payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based paym...
Was asked: when agri-environment option scheme payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based paym...
Written Answers - Milk Quota
Was asked: the estimated value in terms of output, export and job creation if there was a 5% and a 10% increase in the national milk quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The value of milk output at farm gate in 2011, based on production volumes of 5.5bn litres and an average milk price of 34c per litre, was €1.9bn. A 5% or 10% increase in production, based on 2011 ou...
Written Answers - Freedom of Information
Was asked: if he will provide a breakdown of the total fees received in his Department for freedom of information requests and the number of individual requests in each of the years 2002 to 2011, inclusive.
My Department received the following number of requests under the Freedom of Information Acts for the years 2002 to 2011. The fees charged are indicated in the table:
Was asked: if he will provide a breakdown of the number of freedom of information requests submitted in the years 2002 to 2011, inclusive, to his Department; the total amount of fees charged and fees received i...
The table sets out the position:
Written Answers - Direct Payment Schemes
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 8 February 2012 and subsequent detailed information supplied, his views on the fact that a substantial number of applications under the early retirement s...
The Early Retirement Scheme and the Young Farmer’s Installation Scheme were suspended for new applications with effect from 14 October 2008. The early Retirement Scheme was reopened temporarily with ...
Written Answers - Grant Payments
Was asked: if he will clarify the situation regarding outstanding penalties under the suckler cow welfare scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if these matters are currently the subj...
The person named applied to join this Scheme in 2008. Under paragraph 8.6 of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme, each participant is required to submit information relating to the measures underta...
Written Answers - Harbours and Piers
Was asked: the position regarding the provision of a pier at Cromane, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Kerry County Council proposes to construct a new pier at Cromane, County Kerry. The proposed pier will be the property of that Local Authority who will be responsible for its development, maintenance...
Written Answers - Grant Payments
Was asked: the reason a contract of sale entitlements without land under force majeure in the 2005 scheme year and was expected to be received in 2007 has not been forthcoming in respect of a person (details su...
Single Payment entitlements were established for the person named based on his farming activity in the 2000-2002 reference period. The person named did not use his entitlements in 2005, the first yea...
Written Answers - Forestry Sector
Was asked: the position regarding an application for a felling licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The position is that the Felling Section of my Department is awaiting the submission of replanting proposals from the applicant’s forester. When this information is received the matter can be progress...
Written Answers - Departmental Funding
Was asked: the reason extra funding has not been made available to Teasgasc for works in Ashtown, Dublin; and the budget from which these moneys have been made available.
This is an operational matter for the Teagasc Authority. Teagasc has a very important role to play in supporting the Government’s strategy for the development of the agriculture and food industries. ...
Written Answers - Animal Transportation
Was asked: if he will introduce a set of codes for transporting animals by cable car in order to ensure that Dursey cable car will continue to operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The operation of the cable car to Dursey Island is the responsibility of Cork County Council. Cork County Council engaged consulting engineers to carry out studies on the cable car servicing Dursey Is...
Written Answers - Commonage Division
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the anomaly whereby farmers who have areas of striped commonage, which are unfenced and governed by the rules pertaining to DAS and SPS, are not eligible as forage ...
Land declared by applicants for the purposes of the Single Payment Scheme and the Disadvantaged Areas must be eligible under the provisions of the relevant EU regulations and under the Terms and Condi...
Written Answers - Appointments to State Boards
Was asked: if the chief executive officer of the Rehab Group (details supplied) is a member of any State board; and the remuneration, expenses or other payments they receive for such membership.
The person detailed by the Deputy is not a member of any of the twelve State Bodies that fall within the aegis of my Department.
| Last Updated: 08/03/2013 15:40:46 |
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