Swine Flu Deaths Recorded In West And East Of Ireland

Two more people have died from human swine flu in Ireland, the Health Service Executive has confirmed today.

The HSE said one woman was from the west of the country and the other from the eastern region. Both women had underlying medical conditions.

Their deaths bring the total number of swine flu fatalities in the Republic to four.

EU Agriculture Ministers To Discuss Supports For Dairy Market

Junior Agriculture Minister and Fianna Fail T.D. for Clare, Tony Killeen has welcomed the decision of the European Union’s Agriculture Ministers to meet on October 5th next to discuss the introduction of additional measures to support and stimulate the dairy sector.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister of State Killeen reiterated his call on the EU Commission to increase the level and scope of export refunds and to continue to apply all available market support measures. He said: “I recognise that the Commission has been quick to deploy aid to private storage, intervention and export refunds to support the sector to date. However, the fact is that these measures, while stabilising the market, have proved insufficient to lift the market, and we now need to act on the proposals from a large and growing number of Member States.”

“Ireland, for its part, recently joined a number of other nations in pledging support to a set of detailed proposals to support the sector”, added the Clare Deputy.

Climate Change Strategies Must Consider Security Of Food Supply - Killeen

The need to ensure security of food supply and the doubling of global food production in Europe over the next forty years should be considered when addressing the challenge of reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions, stated Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen, T.D., today.

The Clare Deputy said he believed the European Union should assume a lead role in the effort to ensure sustainable food production in Europe, and to achieve global food security while effectively addressing the challenges of climate change. He commented: “These objectives will not be easy to reconcile. However, improved efficiency and productivity has already had a significant impact on Greenhouse Gas emissions from European agriculture. Much has been achieved through better farm management, progress in animal breeding and better use of fertiliser.”

Minister Killeen noted that, in Ireland’s case, efficiency improvements have led to a reduction of approximately 12% in the methane emissions associated with each tonne of milk output since 1990. “Emissions from agriculture represent 27% of Ireland’s overall emissions and almost 40% of Ireland’s non-trading sector emissions. This is the highest level of any Member State”, he added.

“Carbon efficiency can be further improved somewhat, without reducing food production. However, the scale of the challenge of climate change, and the manner in which we choose to address it, may result in unintended negative impacts, both in terms of Europe’s role in global food production and global Greenhouse Gas emissions levels. Therefore, there should be a consolidation of European research into technologies that will deliver mitigation and assist in adapting to the changes that are unavoidable”, concluded Minister of State Killeen.

Ganley Calls Lisbon Referendum Undemocratic

Libertas founder and former Northwest Constituency European Election candidate Declan Ganley has said next month's referendum on the Lisbon Treaty is 'profoundly undemocratic'.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Mr Ganley said the electorate was being asked to vote again on exactly the same treaty. He dismissed suggestions that a No vote would hurt the economy and said the only people voters risked annoying were 'a bunch of unelected bureaucrats' reports RTE. 'The Irish people had a vote on the Lisbon Treaty. They voted No. A higher percentage of the electorate voted no than voted for Barack Obama in the United States of America. No one's suggesting he should run for re-election next month.'

Last June, Mr Ganley failed to win a seat in the European Parliament in the Ireland North West constituency.

HSE West Defends Overspend

The Director of HSE West, Dr Seán Conroy, yesterday defended a €30 million overspend this year in operating the region’s hospitals, saying patients do not have heart attacks or have babies according to budget.

Dr Conroy was speaking at a meeting of the HSE West hospitals’ committee where members were told the cost overrun in the western hospital group was €22 million and in the midwest hospital group was €8 million to the end of July. According to today’s Irish Times newspaper, Senior HSE officials John Doyle and Alan Moran confirmed to members that bed closures would take place in the hospital network that serves an area stretching from Limerick to Donegal.

Speaking on the €22.7 million overspend to €403 million in the western hospital group, Mr Moran said the HSE would not be able to break even in the area by the end of the year, but increased efficiencies, bed closures and staff reductions would cut the deficit.

Fianna Fail Must Support The Greens In Government

Clare Green Councillor Brian Meaney, one of three sitting Green County or City Councillors in the country, has said the Government will collapse if Fianna Fail ignores his Party's stance on the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) and the Commission on Taxation Report.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of the Green Party's membership this Saturday, the Clare County and Ennis Town Councillor said the Green party was prepared to implement change regardless of the political consequences or its popularity ratings in the opinion polls. He said: "Being in Government right now is the most fantastic place the Green Party can be. Ireland is at a critical juncture and the Greens are in a position to demand the implementation of measures required to influence the establishment of sound fundamentals to Irish electoral, financial and planning structures. A question remains, however, over Fianna Fail's willingness to accept the change that is necessary and the unknown political consequences of that".

Councillor Meaney, who has been a party member for 20 years, added that the redrafting of the proposals on NAMA was only one element of the demands being sought by the Green Party of their Government partner. He continued: "The NAMA Legislation only deals with consequences of the Wild West that was, or perhaps still is, the Irish banking sector. This lawless sector was presided over by our senior Government partner and made worse by the Dodge City planning and zoning decisions around the country. We possibly have the opportunity to set it right though I do not conceive the electorate will thank us for it. We should be prepared to take the hard decisions by securing the future of this country. Any party that fails to do so should not be in government."

Councillor Meaney admitted that, despite the pressure his party was placing on their Government partner, a General Election would undermine the country's ability to tackle the problems it now faced. "The authority and mandate of this Government to introduce the measures required to correct national finances and the banking sector may be open to question. However, the political posturing and opportunistic headline-grabbing positions taken by political parties and opinion makers over the last number of weeks is an indication of the debate that would take place during a general election campaign. It is clear to me that a General Election would solve nothing and would only lead to more confusion, false promises, and the general appeasement of various interest groups due to the parochial and clientelist nature of the Irish political process.

"The focus, media and otherwise, should not be on whether the Greens walk from Government but on Fianna Fail shirking doing what is right and supporting the measures the Greens are prepared to support and once and for all put the Governance of this State on the right track. Any capitulation by Fianna Fail on this would require them to leave Government. This would spark a General Election that Ireland's reputation can ill afford, potentially transforming this country into a political basket case as well as an economic basket case.

"For the first time in our political history the Greens are not irrelevant and we would be foolish if we allowed that opportunity slip. We face political oblivion if we, as a small, policy orientated political party fail to use our position to shove our political partners down the route this State has failed to take in the past. Fianna Fail must support the Greens in Government", concluded Councillor Meaney.

Reopening Of Indonesian Market To Irish EU Beef Welcomed By Killeen

Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has warmly welcomed the Indonesian Government’s decision to lift its 8-year-old ban on the importation of Irish beef.

The Asian country imposed the ban for BSE-related reasons in 2001. The market is being re-opened under the conditions recommended by the Indonesian experts who visited Ireland last June. These include a requirement that the meat originate from cattle under 48 months of age. Initially access is being limited to those four plants that were inspected in June but the possibility of approving other plants, following similar inspection, remains open.

According to Minister of State Killeen: “The re-opening of this valuable market reflects intensive efforts by Government at political, diplomatic and technical level. Prior to the ban exports of Irish beef to Indonesia exceeded 24,000 tonnes, valued at in excess of EUR28.5 million.”

“This development represents another significant breakthrough in regaining markets closed because of BSE and added that it will provide a welcome additional outlet for Irish beef on the world market. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will continue to work with An Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs to develop new overseas opportunities for Irish beef exporters”, he added.

REPS Slurry Spreading Period Extended

REPS farmers unable to spread slurry on their land due to the recent poor weather conditions have been buoyed by a six-week extension of the REPS slurry-spreading period.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food this week announced the temporary measure to assist REPS farmers. According to Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food: “The measure applies to farmers in REPS 3 who are required to have spread all the slurry produced during the winter housing period by 31 August”. The Clare T.D. said: “The atrocious weather conditions of the past two months have made it extremely difficult for some local REPS farmers to get their slurry spread by the end of this month”.

He continued: “The Nitrates Regulations would rule out spreading in many areas at the moment. I am delighted, therefore, that Minister Smith has agreed to extend the deadline to 15 October, which is the deadline in the Nitrates Regulations themselves and also applies to farmers in REPS 4”.

Closing Date Nears For Submissions To Organic Farming Scheme Review

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D., has reminded stakeholders in the organic sector and the general public that the deadline for submissions to the review of the Organic Farming Scheme is Friday, 4 September.

Last month the Department of Agriculture announced a review of the Organic Farming Scheme under which support is paid to farmers in the sector. According to Minister of State Killeen: "The review will look at how available funds can be used to best effect to deliver increased organic production and expand the area of farmland in the sector. As part of this review, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is developing a set of criteria for selecting those applications that are most likely to contribute to the scheme objectives."

The Clare Deputy added: "The Department is inviting submissions from stakeholders in the organic sector and from the general public. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 4 September." Submissions should be sent by email if possible to organics@agriculture.gov.ie or by post to the Organic Unit, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Killeen has reiterated his call for the European Commission to introduce further measures that will help stimulate the Irish dairy sector. The Junior Agriculture Minister said further action was needed to increase dairy intervention prices, along with the scope and level of export refunds. "The European Commission must urgently consider such actions due to the current downturn in milk prices. I believe there is an urgent need for the Commissioner to develop a medium term strategy to enable the sector to manage the transition to a post-quota era and to deal with the effects of market volatility", he commented.

Minister Killeen noted that Agriculture Ministers from throughout the Union would have an opportunity to address the problems in the dairy sector at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers on 7 September next.

West Of Ireland Woman Dies From Swine Flu

A young woman from the west of Ireland has died from human swine flu at Tallaght Hospital in Dublin.

She is the first person to die from the H1N1 virus here since the first cases emerged in this country in May reports RTE NEWS. Department of Health officials said this evening that the woman had an underlying medical condition.

In a statement this evening, Tallaght Hospital said in order to protect the confidentiality and privacy of the family no personal details will be made available.

Paint Thrown Over Junior Minister Calleary's Car In Mayo

Gardai in County Mayo are investigating an incident yesterday afternoon in which paint was thrown at Minister of State Dara Calleary's car.

Two paint-filled balloons were thrown at the minister's car during a protest around a mile from the controversial gas terminal being built by Shell in Bellanaboy reports the Irish Independent. No permanent damage was caused to the vehicle and nobody was injured.

Eco-Assured Standard For Wild Fisheries Sector Launched

Tony Killeen, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine), today officially launched a new wild fisheries eco-assured standard for the Irish fisheries industry at the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill, County Galway.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board as the holder, developer and manager of assurance schemes for the Irish seafood sector has developed its existing Quality Seafood Programme (QSP) to encompass wild caught Irish fish. The move will enable industry to clearly label their produce as Irish fish caught or farmed to the highest quality standards using responsible fishing and environmental practices. To ensure the entire supply chain is certified under the scheme, BIM is calling on fishermen, co-ops, processors and retailers to apply for the standard.

The extension of the BIM QSP to encompass wild fisheries actions a key recommendation set out by the Irish Seafood Market Initiative Group (ISMIG) set up by Minister of State Killeen last year. Chaired by BIM, the group consisting of industry representatives was formed by the Minister to determine actionable outcomes which will maximise opportunities in the Irish seafood market for the Irish fishing fleet, processors and retailers.

A number of fishermen and co-ops are already engaged in the Wild Fisheries Stewardship Standard and 56 vessels are currently implementing BIM’s Environmental Management System which demonstrates the industry’s commitment to not only adhering to strict quality standards but to ensuring vessels are run using environmental management and responsible fishing practices.

To ensure Irish seafood carries the eco-assured standard, Minister of State Killeen has called on the Irish fishing industry to apply for the standard. Speaking in Salthill today, the Minister of State said: “I welcome the new eco-assured standard that BIM is now offering Irish fishermen which will enable consumers to make informed choices about the fish they eat. This new standard will give consumers assurances that the fish they purchase was caught using responsible fishing practices on a vessel that follows a clear environmental management system.”

He continued: “I believe that consumers need to be informed about the fish they are buying and this standard will differentiate Irish fish under BIM’s Quality Seafood Programme from other fish on the market, including imports whose provenance is very often not known to consumers. I fully support BIM in the development of this standard and I would encourage all fishermen, co-ops, processors and retailers to apply for the standard so we can collectively drive the industry forward”.

New Agri Environment Scheme To Be Introduced In 2010

The decision by Government to proceed with the introduction of a new agri-environment scheme in 2010 has been warmly welcomed by Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen T.D.

The Clare Deputy said the new scheme would be targeted at those farmers completing their REPS 3 contracts. He continued: “The new scheme, which will be funded through modulated funds and the European Economic Recovery Programme as well as the Exchequer, will impose fewer obligations and lower compliance costs on farmers. The primary aim of the scheme will be to produce tangible environmental benefits.”

The total funding for the new agri-environment scheme and the level of individual payments will be determined when the Estimates for next year are finalised. According to Minister of State Killeen: “At 62,000 participants, the highest ever since REPS began, the Minister for Agriculture had no option but to close it to new entrants as it was over subscribed. He wished to emphasise the point that thousands of farmers will continue to receive payments under REPS as part of their five-year contracts. This includes the 17,000 participants who came into the scheme this year and will be part of it for the next five years. My colleague Minister Brendan Smith is well aware and fully appreciates the concerns being expressed and has met with representatives of the farming organisations”.

Five-Year Conservation Scheme For Irish Lobster Industry

Tony Killeen, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine), today launched the 2009-2013 National Lobster V-Notching Scheme in Carrigaholt, County Clare.

Co-ordinated by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) - the Irish Sea Fisheries Board - the new Scheme follows on from the very successful 2002-2008 scheme which saw approximately 70,000 Lobsters v-notched through a BIM-industry partnership, significantly increasing the spawning potential of the lobster population nationally.

Lobster 'v-notching' is one of the most important conservation measures for the Irish Lobster stock. It involves cutting a small notch in one of the flaps on the tail of a female lobster to create an easily recognised mark that remains for up to two moults. When a lobster is marked in this way, it is illegal to land, possess or sell it and it must be returned live to the sea. This ensures the lobster has an opportunity to breed at least once before the notch grows out, as female lobsters generally breed and moult in alternate years. The v-notch is not permanent and after about 4 to 6 years it disappears completely. At this point, the lobster can, once again, be legally taken and offered for sale. Or it can be re-notched and returned to the sea.

The scheme was introduced to Ireland by BIM in the 1990's and it allows for lobster fishermen and co-ops to receive grant aid of 50% (individual) to 55% (Co-op) of the market price of a lobster if it is v-notched by a BIM officer and returned alive to the sea by the fisherman in order to spawn. In areas with strong V-notching programmes, the scheme has had a hugely significant impact on the lobster stock, leading to an increase in catch rates of approximately 40% in coastal areas such as Clare and Wexford. In addition, an increase in the number of juvenile lobsters could also be demonstrated as a result of v-notching in these areas.

Speaking at the launch of the new Scheme, Minister Killeen stated: "I am delighted to be here today to launch the 2009 National Lobster V-Notching Scheme. The success of the previous scheme clearly demonstrates the industry's commitment to working with BIM to secure the future of this vital inshore fishery and I am confident that the 2009 scheme will allow BIM and Industry to continue to build on this success to protect and manage stocks effectively for the years ahead. This scheme is a significant step forward in drawing together the necessary elements in managing one of our most valuable inshore fisheries, and it is to be welcomed, particularly for County Clare where 14,000 lobsters were v-notched since 2002 and where nearly 80% of those in the industry are engaged in the scheme".

The 2002-2008 scheme saw over 40,000 lobsters being tagged and biological data recorded for each one. Through industry co-operation, tagged lobster recaptures were recorded and various biological parameters re-measured, particularly size, which means that unprecedented data is now available on lobster growth and reproduction. This has become one of the largest scale data collection exercises carried out for any inshore fishery globally. It is hoped that this data will be continually improved through further sampling and extending the geographic range of 2009 Scheme.

BIM CEO Jason Whooley expressed his optimism regarding the potential of the 2009 Scheme: "Within a six year period the National Lobster V-Notching Scheme made a significant contribution to stabilising the lobster spawning stock. This simple but effective measure demonstrates the commitment of industry to mobilise at a local level to implement a Technical Conservation Measure while at the same time facilitating the collection of basic biological data and fisheries data required for management nationally. We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with industry on this next phase of the scheme to ensure the long term viability of this vital inshore fishery is protected".
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BIM is interested in receiving applications from lobster fishermen nationwide to partake in the scheme. For further information, please contact BIM on 01-2144100 or e-mail info@bim.ie.

Commission Must Continue To Extend Dairy Market Supports Says Killeen

Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen today said the Irish Government supported European Commission proposals to extend public intervention for butter and skimmed milk powder.

The Clare Deputy was commenting ahead of a meeting in Brussels next week at which Member States will discuss the proposals.

“The measures being proposed by the Commission reflect the view at high political level of the continued importance of the dairy sector to the EU and its willingness to provide as much support as possible to address the current volatile international dairy market situation”, stated Minister of State Killeen.

He added: “While prices remain at an unacceptably low level, the Irish Government, through Minister Brendan Smith, will continue to mobilise colleagues in the Council of Ministers for their continued support in favour of actions in the dairy market. Such action is absolutely essential to support the Dairy Sector through a difficult period. The Irish Government will continue to highlight the need to use in the most effective way possible all Market Management measures”.

Meanwhile, Minister Killeen has welcomed the decision of the Milk Management Committee to extend the private storage aid scheme for butter from 15th August, when the scheme would normally close, until 28th February 2010.

The scheme was introduced in January this year, two months ahead of schedule because of the difficult market situation.

New Post Grad Course In Veterinary Public Health

Junior Agriculture Minister, Mr. Tony Killeen has welcomed the launch of a new Post Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Public Health.

The course has been developed by the universities in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to meet the continuing educational needs of Official Veterinarians involved in regulating the food industry. “The course, which will be jointly conferred by University College Dublin and The University of Ulster, is delivered entirely on-line and is the first of its kind to be available anywhere in Europe”; explained Minister of State Killeen. The Co Clare Deputy added: “The Department of Agriculture’s contribution to developing this new course and continuing education for official veterinarians engaged in veterinary public health, demonstrates the importance it gives to the proper regulation of the food industry. This regulation is essential if Ireland is to maintain and enhance its position as a producer of food of the very highest quality in European and world markets.”

“This type of continued collaborative work is mutually beneficial to us all and anything that strengthens our controls can only enhance Ireland’s profile within the agri-food sector,” concluded Minister Killeen.

Every household to receive Lisbon postcard

A postcard explaining the legal guarantees secured by the Government in relation to the Lisbon Treaty is to be sent to every household in the country.

The Government information campaign comes just three months ahead of a controversial second referendum on the treaty planned for early October.

The guarantees in respect of taxation, neutrality and abortion were agreed at June’s EU summit in Brussels and will be incorporated in a series of treaty protocols.

Electricians go on strike

Over 10,000 electricians across the country are staging a strike today in a dispute over pay.

Electricians are looking for an 11.3% increase which they say is overdue. Employers say their claim is unrealistic in the current economic climate and want a 10% pay cut from the electricians.

Meanwhile, a picket by the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union has been placed at the Moneypoint ESB Station, near Kilrush. RTE reports that a number of workers at the plant did not pass the picket this morning but it is not clear how many. A spokesperson for Eirgrid said there was no threat to electricity supply but that the situation continues to be monitored by them and the ESB.

Today's action, which does not affect electricity supply, follows the collapse of talks at the Labour Relations Commission over the weekend.

Irish Firm Announces $30 Million Distribution Agreement In New Zealand

Surface Power, an Irish developer and manufacturer of solar power products, today confirmed it has signed a $30 million distribution agreement in New Zealand.

Under the terms of the five-year deal, New Zealand Solar Distribution will distribute Surface Power’s range of solar hot water, heating and cooling systems. Surface Power, meanwhile, has announced it will establish a national distribution and training academy in Tauranga, New Zealand, resulting in the creation of 12 new jobs over the next year.

According to Surface Power founder John Quinn: “New Zealand Solar Distribution have approached the market in a professional way seeking out the best technologies, backed up with training options and support. We look forward to building a relationship that will help drive growth and jobs for both companies in 2009 and beyond.”

“This agreement enables us to completely focus on our expansion efforts. Surface Power Solar has already achieved product approval in over 25 countries and expects to add the USA, Canada and Australia over the coming months. In fact, we expect to conclude further distribution agreements in New Zealand this year”, added Mr. Quinn.

Commenting on the planned distribution and training centre at Tauranga, located in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island, Steve Allen, International sales Director with Surface Power stated: “The centre will help develop advanced training options for installers to include solar hot water, heating and cooling systems. The training academy will also provide training and deployment expertise to large utilities and industry across New Zealand.”

Speaking about the multi-million dollar deal with Surface Power, Mr. Drew Beekie, CEO of New Zealand Solar Distribution, said: “We have been testing many solar systems over the last 2 years and we selected Surface Power as it achieved exceptional performance in cloud, wind and rain environments. We need systems that work all year round. We also need to work with companies whose research is at the forefront of developing new uses for solar thermal in cooling and water purification.”

Established in County Mayo in 2003, Surface Power’s research and development programmes are nearly seven years running and the company has amassed a significant product portfolio in advance of targeting key world export markets for solar and wind renewables. The Údarás na Gaeltachta and Enterprise Ireland-backed firm, which was a finalist in the prestigious Engineers Ireland ‘Innovative Company of The Year Awards 2009’, has played a central role in the development of the domestic Renewable sector in Ireland, especially Microgeneration.

For more see www.surfacepower.ie.

Ireland Is Declared Brucellosis Free

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with special responsibility for Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine, Mr. Tony Killeen has warmly welcomed the EU Commission’s approval of Ireland’s application for official brucellosis free status.

“For some time, Ireland has been in a position to be declared Brucellosis-free because of the dramatic reduction in the incidence of Brucellosis over the past decade and because there has been no confirmed outbreak of this disease here since April 2006”, explained Minister of State Killeen.

The Fianna Fail TD for Clare described the EC’s approval as a “significant development” for Irish agriculture. He pointed out that securing Brucellosis-free status for Ireland would now enable the Department of Agriculture to reduce some of the control elements of the eradication programme over the coming years with a beneficial impact on farmers, particularly in relation to trade.

Minister of State Killeen continued, “I acknowledge that the eradication arrangements have been disruptive and costly both to farmers and to the Department of Agriculture, in terms of compensation and the substantial additional costs incurred on testing and other economic losses arising from the premature removal of infected cattle. Our combined efforts and success in combating Brucellosis is due to a number of factors, not least the full cooperation of all stakeholders with the eradication regime.”

Minister Killeen welcomed the confirmation from his colleague and Minister for agriculture Brendan Smith that a controlled reduction in the brucellosis eradication programme would take place over a period of years. He stated: “There will be an increase in the period of the pre-movement test from 30 to 60 days, while the age threshold for round testing will be increased to 24 months. However, in view of the greater risk attached to the movement, particularly the movement of breeding animals, the age limit for the pre-movement test will be retained at 12 months except in the case of bulls, for which the age limit is being increased to 18 months, given the lower risk of transmitting the disease.”

Minister Killeen said that the new arrangements would be implemented as soon as possible after the publication of the Commission Decision and the necessary amendments are made to national legislation.