Coveney, SimonWednesday, 16 January 2013 |
Dáil Éireann Debate |
Food Safety Authority Inspections (Continued)
Given the number Deputies who have asked questions, I ask the Chair for some leniency on time.
People will have a copy of my speech, all of which I will not be able to read out in four minutes. I will go as far as I can.
As the House is aware, the results of laboratory tests provided to my Department by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on 14 January 2013 revealed the presence of non-beef DNA in some beef prod...
I stress that it is national policy on food safety that consumer protection takes priority and that concerns for public health or confidence in food products are brought promptly to public attent...
On receipt of the laboratory results from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland last Monday afternoon and notwithstanding that it said there was no food safety issue involved, my Department commen...
There has been some comment on the sequence of events and I wish to set the record straight. The first samples were taken by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland as part of one of its snapshot s...
I turn to the market response. The companies involved have carried out their own urgent investigation and withdrawn product from the market. In the case of Silvercrest, that amounts to some 10 ...
Primary responsibility for the safety and quality of food placed on the market lies with food business operators who must implement food safety management systems based on HACCP principles. This...
In accordance with the official risk assessment, the plant in question was subject to monthly inspections in 2012 and my Department carried out a full inspection last December.
Under the Department's national residue programme, some 30,000 samples taken at farm and factory level and covering a wide range of foodstuffs are tested annually. These tests normally relate to...
The investigation arising from the DNA findings is continuing and the Department and Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, will incorporate the results when found to ensure that we maintain the...
I will try to answer those questions as best I can. Some of the answers are not complete yet because we must wait until we have the full facts. In respect of Deputy Ó Cuív's questions, I would be...
We will do it as soon as we can and if I cannot do it, someone from the Department will do it. We need to get the full facts first, be that next week or in a fortnight's time. Obviously, I want t...
The FSAI's press release stated that traces of horse DNA were also detected in batches of raw ingredients including some imported from the Netherlands and Spain. I want to make it clear that doe...
We will name companies and I can assure Deputy Martin Ferris that if there are inappropriate linkages, we will highlight those. As far as I can see, there has been no linkage to date between som...
Labelling is a very complex matter to solve. If there was to be a label on every food product which itemised where every product within that food came from, one would face a very difficult task ...
This problem may have been caused not by a lack of regulations but by a lack of respect for those regulations and the need to enforce them. Common standards across the European Union require full ...
The type of burger concerned was a frozen product comprising 63% meat, with the remaining ingredients including onion and other filler protein. The protein should have been derived from a beef-s...
This incident involved a small segment of the Irish food industry. The frozen burgers concerned were sold predominantly in the Irish and British markets. The vast majority of the beef we export...
We are taking this matter very seriously but it does not give rise to food safety issues. It is not like the dioxin scare in pork or a disease scare in animals. There is no threat to human safe...
In most cases they were minuscule. In one case they comprised 15%, but it subsequently emerged that the label on that product stated that it contained pigmeat. The meat processor concerned contac...
Poultry Industry
Was asked: the position regarding the keeping of fowl in a residential area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There is no obstacle in the legislation implemented by my Department to the keeping of poultry for domestic use in residential or other areas. My Department has no plans to introduce any such legis...
Coastal Protection
Was asked: the applications for funding that were made by Fingal County Council for coastal protection schemes when this brief was under his Department's remit.
The Coastal Protection & Management functions previously held by my Department were transferred to the Office of Public Works with effect from January 2009 along with any files relating to that are...
Was asked: if he will outline the applications made by Fingal County Council for funding in relation to coastal protection schemes when that brief was under his Department's remit.
The Coastal Protection & Management functions previously held by my Department were transferred to the Office of Public Works with effect from January 2009 along with any files relating to that are...
Regulatory Impact Assessment Numbers
Was asked: the number of regulatory impact assessments that have been carried out by his Department in the past twelve months; and the list of regulatory impact assessments carried out within his Department i...
The necessity to perform regulatory impact assessments did not arise in my Department in the past twelve months.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments
Was asked: when a payment for REP scheme 4 will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person named commenced REPS 4 in May 2008 and received payments for the first four years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before ...
Was asked: the position regarding the REP scheme 4 payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when the payment will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person named commenced REPS 4 in May 2008 and received payment for the first four years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme a...
Was asked: when payment of REP scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person named commenced REPS 4 in January 2008 and received payments for the first four years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007...
Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments
Was asked: the position regarding disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the payment will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Payment under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued to the person named on 24 December 2012, directly to the nominated bank account.
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be paid their disadvantaged and suckler cow payments for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 March 2012, processing of which has recently been finalised. Payment will issue in the coming days...
Was asked: when payment of disadvantaged area scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
While an application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2012, payment has not yet issued as the conditions of the Scheme have not been satisfied...
Was asked: if he intends to reduce the payment on the first 10 hectares of land under the disadvantaged areas scheme to farmers in areas classified as mountain that do not have sheep; the amount of any propos...
As part of the changes made to some schemes implemented by my Department for 2013 under the Budget process, I allocated an additional €5 million for funding payments under the Disadvantaged Areas S...
In that regard, I can confirm that there will be a reduction in the maximum payable area for More and Less Severely Disadvantaged lands from 34 to 30 hectares. This change will have no impact of ...
Was asked: when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal under the 2012 disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Payment under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme has not yet issued as, at this stage, the holding concerned has not yet satisfied the Scheme minimum stocking density requirement...
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their disadvantaged area scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The application of the person named under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received in my Department after the closing date for receipt of applications. It was, therefore, ...
Was asked: when payment of the disadvantaged area scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An application under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named 10 April 2012. On processing the application it was established that there was no livestock...
Food Harvest 2020 Strategy
Was asked: the steps he is taking to increase Irish food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Food Harvest 2020 (FH2020) is the overall blueprint for the development of the agriculture, food, fisheries and forestry sector for the next decade. As the Deputy will be aware, this report set v...
Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications
Was asked: the position regarding an agri-environment options scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An AEOS 3 application was received in the Johnstown Castle Office of my Department from the person named on 28 November 2012. The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday 7 December and...
Was asked: the position regarding an agri environment option scheme application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; if payment will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the ma...
The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011.
Under the EU Regulations governing the...
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their agri environment option scheme 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 November 2010 and full payments totalling €783.84 and €4,703.01 issued ...
Question No. 868 answered with Question No. 865.
Was asked: when applicants will be notified on whether or not they have been accepted into the new agri environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Approximately 10,000 applications were received in my Department’s offices at Johnstown Castle by close of business on Friday December 7, the closing date for submission of applic...
European Union Solidarity Fund
Was asked: if he has explored the possibility of applying to the EU Solidarity Fund as a means of addressing the fodder crisis looming as a result of excessive rainfall in 2012; and if he will make a statemen...
The European Union Solidarity Fund is aimed primarily at providing funding to Member States in the event of a natural disaster.
I am very conscious of the significant problems and pressures that the very heavy rainfall last year has caused for farmers. I also fully appreciate the value and importance of the scheme paymen...
Teagasc and the Agriculture Consultants Association have been very active in providing advice and assistance for farmers affected by the bad weather. A series of public meetings were held across...
Transport of Animals
Was asked: when approval will be granted on the applications submitted for ships for the live export of cattle; the number and type of animals to be transported; the reason for the delay in granting such appr...
The requirements for approval of dedicated vessels for the carriage of cattle by sea are contained in the Diseases of Animals (Carriage of Cattle by Sea) Orders, 1996 and 1998.
A boat (which is currently in Istanbul) is scheduled for re-inspection in mid-January and, subject to a satisfactory report, approval will take place shortly thereafter. The number and type of c...
Air Pollution
Was asked: if he will investigate the damage caused to animal and crops by industries namely the ESB and a multi national alumina industry named in the European Environmental Agency report, in November 2011 r...
Was asked: if he will investigate the cost involved to the agriculture sector in general following the European Environmental Agency findings against the ESB and a multi national alumina industry.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 836 and 837 together.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to written Parliamenta...
Suckler Welfare Scheme Payments
Was asked: when a payment under the suckler welfare scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person named registered 17 animals for the 2012 Suckler Scheme in 2012 which included a set of twins. As payment is made on the number of eligible suckler cows in a herd for a given year, only...
Payment was made in respect of 11 of these animals on 24 December 2012. Issues have been identified in relation to the remaining 5 animals and a letter has issued to the person named on 10 Janua...
Was asked: the position regarding farm payment suckler cow payment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person named registered 10 animals for the Suckler Welfare Scheme in 2012 and payment in full issued on 24th December 2012.
Departmental Bodies Abolition
Was asked: if he will provide in tabular form the number of agencies, bodies, boards, quangos or other entities, which are financed from, answerable to or established by his Department that have been abolishe...
There are currently 12 State Bodies that fall under the aegis of my Department:
1. Aqua Licensing Appeals Board
2. Bord Bia
3. Bord na gCon
4. Bord Iasca...
Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments
Was asked: the position regarding the outstanding agri-environment option scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person named is not a participant in the agri-environments options scheme. However the person named did commence REPS 4 in June 2009 and has received payments for the first three years of their...
Was asked: when payment of the agri-environment options scheme 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 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2011 and has received full payment totalling €909.15 in respe...
Was asked: the position regarding an agri-environmental options scheme 2 payment in respect of 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 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011.
Under the EU Regulations governing the S...
Fisheries Protection
Was asked: if he will supply a timeline, with documentary evidence of steps taken and decisions made by the management cell to deal with continued high sea lice levels recorded at a salmon farming operation (...
The specific measures for the control of sea lice are set out in the “Strategy for improved pest control on Irish salmon farms” published by my Department in 2008. In accordance with this Strateg...
Was asked: the number of retired naval personnel currently employed by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the number of persons employed by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority that are currently in receipt of a pension from the Department of Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 855 and 856 together.
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is an independent statutory body and the question relates to operational aspects in w...
Was asked: the next stage of development regarding the mackerel negotiations between the EU and Norway with Iceland and the Faroe Islands; his views on the reason they have not succeeded to date; the way he w...
Coastal States negotiations on mackerel management arrangements for 2013, involving, Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and the EU (with the Russian Federation as observers) failed to reach agreeme...
This dispute has been ongoing since 2009 when Iceland who previously had little or no landings of mackerel embarked on an unapproved and irresponsible course of setting unilateral TACS culminatin...
While accepting that the migratory pattern of mackerel has changed in recent years, and that a modest increase in shares of this stock for both Iceland and the Faroes is warranted, there is no sc...
Despite numerous meetings convened since 2009 Iceland and the Faroe islands continue with their unjustifiable demands for shares of 15% while at the same time fishing 23% of the stock each. They ...
A healthy mackerel stock is essential for the Irish pelagic fleet, pelagic processing industry and for employment in the wider coastal communities. The present situation is therefore of major con...
At the European Council of Fisheries Ministers, I will continue to take every opportunity to influence and convince all parties to resolve the issue not least because there is a real possibility ...
In this context Ireland are currently hosting the EU/ Norway negotiations at the National Seafood Centre in Clonakilty this week, where it is expected that decisions on the TAC and quota will be ...
Was asked: if he has completed an assessment of the potential impact of the development of large fish farms off the west coast of the country on the stocks of wild atlantic salmon and on the stocks of salmon ...
Finfish farming has been a feature of aquaculture operations off the west coast for some time.
An application by Bord Iascaigh Mhara for an aquaculture licence for the cultivation of finfish near Inis Oirr in Galway Bay has been received by my Department. The application and its accompany...
All matters associated with the application including the impact, if any, on wild salmon stocks, will be given very careful consideration by my Department.
Renewable Energy Generation Issues
Was asked: his position on biomass as a renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Biomass sourced from forests and specially grown energy crops such as willow, coppice and miscanthus has an important role to play as a source of renewable energy. Over one third of the annual for...
The Deputy may be aware that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, T.D., has announced his intention to publish a National Bioenergy Strategy shortly. This...
Single Payment Scheme Eligibility
Was asked: the number of farmers in County Kerry in receipt of the single farm payment scheme in 2012.
A total of 7,508 farmers in Kerry have to date received payment under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme, representing over 99% of all applicants who are eligible under the Scheme.
Single Payment Scheme Payments
Was asked: the number of persons in receipt of a single farm payment totalling €2,000 or less; €2,000-€5,000; €50,000-€70,000; €100,000 or more.
The details sought by the Deputy are set out in the following table.
Was asked: when single payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. An application for the transfer of 67.17 entitlements from the first person named to the joint names of the persons named was submitted on 14th May 2012. Fishing Industry Development Was asked: the matters discussed at the meeting of EU Fisheries Ministers in Brussels during the week of December 17-21, 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. The December EU Fisheries Council Meeting consisted of two very challenging days of intensive negotiations setting the TAC and quota for fish stocks for 2013. My primary aim from the outset was to... During the negotiations an additional 6,400 tonnes of whitefish quotas were secured for Ireland over those proposed in the Commission proposal. At the end of the negotiations which set fish quot... The quotas finally agreed by Council were very significantly increased from those originally proposed by the European Commission for the 2013 fishing year and despite the difficult initial starti... The package of quotas secured will support the economies of those coastal communities which are dependent on the resulting employment created both at sea and in onshore related industries. Coillte Teoranta Lands Was asked: the position regarding mineral rights and the sale of Coillte assets via the new era project; if the mineral rights in the grounds beneath the forests form part of the sale; and if he will make a s... Further to the Government decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, Coillte Board and management have been actively engaged with NewERA, the ... I understand that if there are minerals on the Coillte estate, the rights to them are reserved to the State. I want to reiterate that it is a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s fo... Was asked: the purpose to which the funds resulting from the sale of 1109 acres, 449 ha. of forest near Ballybofey, County Donegal will be put; if the funds will be diverted into the pensions of Coillte worke... Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the sale and acquisition of land which take place regularly... The proposed sale of this land is separate from the Government decision concerning a possible concession for the sale of harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests – this matter is currently being ex... Animal Welfare Issues Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 361 of 11 December 2012, if he will confirm that dog pounds, rescues and shelters will be subject to the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill; if h... The Animal Health and Welfare Bill consolidates a wide range of existing legislation. As such, it will apply in many situations affecting the welfare of animals and, therefore, will be enforceable... Section 37(2) of the Bill provides that local authorities may appoint their own personnel as Authorised Officers. My Department will be happy to offer advice to the Local Authority Veterinary Se... Was asked: his views regarding Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Inspectors; if they will be considered as authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Bill in relation to non-... Was asked: if he will consider Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Inspectors as authorised officers in relation to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill in relation to non-farm cases; and if ... Was asked: if he will support proposals from the ISPCA (details supplied) on the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. I propose to take Questions Nos. 865, 868 and 884 together. Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Eligibility Was asked: if a person who purchases land that has no single payment entitlements will be entitled to claim the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. I can confirm that eligibility under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is separate from eligibility under the Single Payment Scheme and, specifically, that the absence of Single Payment entitlements d... Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals Was asked: when disadvantaged area payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. The person named is one of a number, their derogation application having been unsuccessful, who were offered the option to appeal to the independently chaired DAS Appeals Committee. To date, this ... Was asked: the number of farmers who appealed the decision of his Department in relation to the disadvantaged area payment scheme to the Independent Disadvantaged Areas Appeals Committee; the number of appeal... A total of 1,433 farmers availed of their right to appeal to the DAS Appeals Committee. A high percentage of applicants submitted supporting documentation with their appeals which had not previously been submitted to my Department, thus necessitating examination by my officials befo... The balance of cases, 425 (i.e. 1,433 total appeals, less 1,008 dealt with as outlined above), are currently being processed. In all cases, applicants are being advised, in writing, of the outcom... Was asked: the position regarding an appeal over stocking density in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. The person concerned, an applicant under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, is one of a number, whose cases are impacted by a requirement of a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units p... Was asked: if a decision made by the disadvantage area appeals committee will be reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. The person named is one of a number of applicants under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, whose cases are impacted by the requirement of a minimum stocking density of 0.3 lives... Companies Law Issues Was asked: if his Department is currently investigating the matter of share allocation and share certification relating to the amalgamation of companies (details supplied); if he will confirm that the awarded... I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department is not engaged in any investigation involving the share allocation and share certification relating to the amalgamation of the named companies and is ... Milk Quota Applications Was asked: the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. The Milk Quota Temporary Leasing Scheme allows milk producers to offer for lease through their milk purchaser, on a temporary basis, all or part of their milk quota that they do not expect to use i... Grant Payments Was asked: the amount of all payments paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal between 2002 and 2012. In keeping with obligations under data protection legislation, the information requested will issue by my Department by post to the person named. I would like to clarify that such payment details a... Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 527 of 4 December 2012, the reason this Deputy was informed that a person (details supplied) would receive payment shortly and that the processing of the appli... I regret that, due to an error, the Deputy was inadvertently not given the correct position in relation to the payment status of the person concerned in my earlier reply. I would now like to take ... Fur Farming Was asked: if any of the five fur farms have given notification to his Department that they no longer have minks kept as per the condition on the licence applicable to minks issued under the Musk Rats Act 193... My Department has been advised by one currently licensed mink farming company that it no longer keeps mink. Departmental Staff Grades Was asked: if he will provide in tabular form the breakdown of staff in the Department of the Marine under the titles, total staff numbers; staff positions; locations of staff for the Department, numbers with... Provisional figures for the end of 2012 show the number of staff in my Department to be 3,276 full-time equivalents (FTEs) who are deployed across a number of grade streams, as indicated in Table 1... Forestry Grants Was asked: the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Following receipt of additional information in this case relating to an area under forestry, the applicant was paid on 20 December 2012 in respect of the full area claimed (6.72 hectares). Beef Exports Was asked: further to the stance by Canada in refusing to allow access for EU beef into their jurisdiction, the progress that has been made in negotiations to ensure a fairer and more balanced approach in the... I share the Deputy’s concerns regarding Canada’s position in relation to beef market access in the EU / Canada free trade negotiations where they are maintaining their ban on beef imports from the ... Registration of Title Was asked: the entitlements that have been paid on land (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. The information being sought is personal data within the meaning of the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2003 and the Minister cannot disclose such data without the consent of the data subjects. Howeve... Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications Was asked: the number of farmers who applied under the disadvantaged area payments for 2012; the number who have received their payment; the number of farmers who have had their application rejected and the n... Given the various qualifying criteria under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, particularly in relation to minimum stocking density (both the requirement to achieve a six month average of 0.15 li... Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. As processing of the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application has recently been finalised, payment will shortly issue to the nominated bank account. Was asked: when a disadvantaged area payment will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. While an application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 11 April 2012, payment has not issued as the conditions of the Scheme have not... Dairy Sector Was asked: if he has given consideration to the proposal from the Irish Farmers' Association for a loan scheme to invest in the development of the Irish dairy industry; his view on this proposal; if he intend... The proposal for a loan scheme from the IFA is one of a number of submissions made to my Department aimed at addressing issues relating to the preparation by the dairy sector for the post quota era... Animal Feedstuffs Was asked: if he will provide details of the regulations prohibiting a farmer from added molasses to rolled barley in order to reduce the dust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. There is no prohibition on adding molasses to a feed material (e.g. rolled barley) where the feed material is used on his/her own farm. In addition a farmer may supply, at a local... Aquaculture Licences Applications Was asked: if he will expedite the procession of applications for aquaculture licences in Castlemaine harbour, County Kerry; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these delays are hindering job cre... Castlemaine Harbour is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 site). Common Agricultural Policy Reform Was asked: further to the cuts in farm schemes, his views on the fact that the flat rate proposal would destroy the viability of many active farmers who cannot handle payment cuts of 30% to 40%; and if he wil... One of my key concerns as regards the CAP reform proposals arises in relation to the distribution of direct payments within Member States. As the Deputy is aware, the Commission proposal is to ... Under a national flat rate system as proposed by the Commission, the impact on Irish farmers would be significant - around 76,000 would gain an average of 86% on their current payments, while aro... I have accordingly been pressing for the maximum possible flexibility to be given to Member States to design payment models that suit their own farming conditions. I also want a more gradual, ba... I have been very active in seeking allies for this position and I have been making significant progress, particularly with a group of Member States with somewhat similar concerns. It should also... Action Plan for Jobs Was asked: the 2012 targets set for his Department for implementation of the Jobs Action Plan; if he will report on the attainment or otherwise of these targets; the reason targets were not met; the steps he ... The 2012 Action Plan for Jobs included 17 Action which have specific reference to the agri-food and fisheries sectors. Section 7.4- Agri-food Production, pages 82-86 of attached ... Question No. 884 answered with Question No. 865. Suckler Welfare Scheme Eligibility Was asked: if he will increase the number of suckler cows eligible for premium payments from the reduced number of twenty announced in Budget 2013 to allow commercial farmers to benefit from the scheme. As part of the changes made to some schemes implemented by my Department for 2013, I allocated €10 million in 2013, financed from unspent Single Farm Payment Funds, for a new support programme f... Dairy Equipment Scheme Applications Was asked: ìf he will outline the status of the DEP Discussion Groups fund and if new entrants will be facilitated in 2013. Last year was the final year of the three year Dairy Efficiency Programme (DEP). However, following the acknowledged and demonstrated success of Discussion Groups under that Programme in meetin... Traffic Regulations Was asked: if he will undertake a full public consultation with residents and business people in Howth, County Dublin, on his proposals to introduce car parking charges in Howth which local residents and busi... My intention to introduce pay parking at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre has been widely known for some time. The introduction of parking charges at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre was... Calafoirt agus Céanna Faoi úinéireacht Chomhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe atá Cé Inis Oírr agus ise atá freagrach as í a réiteach agus a chothabháil. Chuir mo Roinnse maoiniú ar fáil blianta roimhe seo faoi Chlár Forbartha Caipitil Infreastruchtúir Cósta agus Chuanta Iascaigh na Roinne d’fhorbairt ar scála beag agus do réiteach calafort, céann... Tá roinnt tionscadal, lena n-áirítear ceann maidir le hoibreacha ag Cé Inis Oírr, curtha ar aghaidh ag Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe anois. Tabharfaidh mo Roinn breithniú iomlán ar an iarratas ... Agriculture Schemes Appeals Was asked: if an appeal in relation to the grassland sheep scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway was finalised; if so, the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the m... An application under the Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named 9 May 2011. Departmental Bodies Expenditure Was asked: if he will provide a list of the bodies, other than statutory bodies, that were fully funded by his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Was asked: if he will provide a list of the bodies, other than statutory bodies, that were partially funded by his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. I propose to take Questions Nos. 899 and 900 together.
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