Killeen Welcomes Introduction Of Dairy Efficiency Programme

Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen has welcomed the announcement of a new three-year Dairy Efficiency Programme under which EUR18 million will be spent in encouraging significant efficiency gains on Irish dairy farms.

The Programme will support the transfer to milk producers of technology and knowledge that will help them to adopt best practice in the running of their enterprises.

Commenting on the background to the new programme, Minister of State Killeen said: “The dairy industry, while open to great opportunities, faces also many challenges as it prepares for quota abolition and the realities of competing in a global marketplace. At producer level the focus must be on maximising efficiency in order to compete and to cope with periods of severe volatility like that which we have recently experienced. The Government's commitment to the development of the Smart Economy is therefore as relevant to dairying as it is to any other sector of the economy. Initiatives like the Dairy Efficiency Programme exemplify that commitment, and indeed are vital in ensuring that the fine work being done in agricultural colleges around the country is carried through to full-time careers in farming."

Commenting further on the programme, the Clare Fianna Fail T.D. indicated that EUR6 million will be made available in each of 2010, 2011 and 2012 to encourage the participation by dairy farmers in the programme. The groups which will operate under the programme will be formed and assisted by facilitators who have been trained by Teagasc to a FETAC-accredited standard, will place particular emphasis on the adoption of best practice in relation to grassland management, breeding and financial management. Participants in the programme will have their progress monitored by their facilitator, and they will be required to meet certain standards in relation to attendance and project completion. In return they will receive a payment at the end of each year, with the level of payment determined by the participation rate in the Programme.

Minister of State Killeen added: "The availability of unspent Single Payment Scheme funds arising from the Health Check agreement provides an opportunity to further reinforce the initiatives that the Department has undertaken to help the dairy industry to look to the future with optimism. The Dairy Efficiency Programme will complement the innovative approach already taken to the Milk Quota Trading Scheme, to the modernisation of the milk quota regulations, to the encouragement of Milk Production Partnerships, to the allocation of quota to new entrants and to the support of future-oriented dairy research.”

Further details in relation to the Dairy Efficiency Programme, which will be up and running as will be up-and-running as early as possible in 2010, will be made available shortly”, he concluded.

Milk Quota Allocated To Innovative Teagasc Project

Junior Agriculture Minister, Tony Killeen, T.D., has welcomed the allocation of milk quota to a major research project aimed at the development of profitable, expanding dairy farms as the sector moves towards quota abolition.

The project is being undertaken by Teagasc’s Moorepark Dairy Production Research Centre, located near Fermoy in Co Cork, in collaboration with Glanbia, the Agricultural Trust and AIB Bank.

Minister of State Killeen noted that the allocation of milk quota to the project will help generate valuable information on low cost, efficient milk production that will be made available to all dairy farmers through Teagasc’s advisory service. He added: “The project also will help dairy farmers to adjust to the new trading environment over the coming years. The dissemination of the relevant information and data, in a timely manner, to dairy farmers is of the utmost importance.”

“The abolition of milk quotas in 2015 and increased exposure to global market forces is expected to lead to a significant increase in milk production in Ireland. Dairy farmers must be ready to respond. In particular they need to plan for, and manage, a profitable expansion of their businesses. I believe this project will help to equip them with the best tools for this purpose”, added Minister of State Killeen.

The Clare T.D. indicated that quota allocations are expected to be of the order of 125,000 litres in the current milk quota year, rising to just under 3m litres in 2014/2015 as the three farms involved in the project increase production.

“They also complement to some extent the recent allocation of 200,000 litres of quota to each of 70 new entrants to dairying, in that Teagasc is developing a further research programme to assist the latter’s successful transition to milk production”, concluded Minister of State Killeen.

December Sales Boost For Irish Retailers

A survey carried out by researchers at Waterford Institute of Technology has found that December may give rise to optimism for beleaguered Irish retailers.

The study which was conducted by the RIKON Research Group, on behalf of AllGifts.ie, found that 73 per cent of Irish consumers will spend the same or more on Christmas gifts this year compared to previous years, while 63 per cent of those surveyed have indicated they will wait until December to do their Christmas shopping.

The face-to-face survey also reveals that online spending continues to grow in popularity among Irish shoppers. The main reasons given for shopping for gifts online were not price related, but rather convenience (60 pc of those surveyed) and time saving (22 pc), with online bargains accounting for a distant third (18 pc).

“Despite the current economic conditions, Irish shoppers have indicated that they are willing to open their wallets for a bargain,” said Gary Purcell, Managing Director of AllGifts.ie (ABOVE LEFT).

Mr. Purcell noted that the survey findings could be attributed to the introduction of pre-Christmas high streets sales and other special offers, as well as the 6.6 pc decline in consumer prices between January and October this year.

He added: “The results of this survey are very welcome news for Irish retailers who have experienced a considerable drop off in footfall over the last year. The vast majority of Irish shoppers are saying they will spend the same or more on gifts this year, with online shoppers leading the way. Online consumers are spending more even though their spending power is not as great as the non-online buyers”.

Survey results for consumers that do not shop online for Christmas gifts:
- The three major barriers to not shopping for Christmas presents online are (in order of importance): consumers do not have a credit card, they prefer to see items before they buy them, and they don’t like to wait for items to be delivered
- Over a third of these consumers will spend between 201-500 euro this Christmas (35 pc) with 24 pc indicating they will spend over 500 euro
- A large majority (69 pc) indicated that they will spend either the same or more than last year on Christmas presents
- A large majority indicated that they shop for presents in December (70 pc consumers)

Survey results for consumers that shop online for Christmas gifts:
- The three major reasons that consumers shop online for Christmas presents are: convenience (61 pc), save time (22 pc) and best place to find bargains (18 consumers)
- They are likely to spend 201-500 euro this year on their Christmas shopping (39 pc), with a further 31 pc indicating that they will be spending over 500 euro this Christmas on gifts
- They are likely to spend about the same online as previous years on their Christmas gifts (41 pc), yet a further 49 pc indicated that they would be spending more than in previous years
- 77 pc of online consumers will be spending the same or more this Christmas on gifts than the previous ones
- They are most likely to complete their Christmas shopping in December (58 pc)
- A slight majority does not expect to buy gifts online for children (56 pc).

AllGifts.ie sells 10,000 gifts and gift vouchers online from 175 Irish retailers. An estimated 50,000 shoppers are expected to visit the website during December.

The Top Ten Gifts purchased by the 8,500 registered users of the website in November are as follows (in order of popularity): (1) Airplane Flying Lessons, (2) Hotel Breaks for Two, (3) Restaurant Meal vouchers, (4) Netbook and Laptops, (5) Spa Treatment vouchers, (6) Helicopter Rides, (7) Gourmet Food Hampers, (8) Internet Radios, (9) Rally and 4x4 Driving Experience and (10) Oxfam Gift of a Goat.

For more on the Christmas Shopping Survey visit www.allgifts.ie.

Fodder Aid Scheme For Flood Hit Farmers Is Announced

Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has confirmed that 2 million euro is being allocated for a targeted fodder aid scheme.

The announcement is in addition to a wider humanitarian aid scheme, to which the Government has allocated 10 million euro.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State Killeen said: “The fodder scheme reflects an assessment undertaken by the Department’s Inspectorate, which indicates substantial flooding of farmland in the West, Midlands and South West. One of the problems likely to arise in this context would be a fodder shortage. While it is difficult, at this stage, to quantify those losses, it is clear the damaged fodder may cause a feed shortage problem on some livestock farms which, in turn, could give rise to financial hardship and potential animal welfare issues on these farms.”

The Clare T.D. added: “As a matter of urgency, Department officials are now preparing the outlines of a targeted fodder aid scheme to provide some financial support towards the purchase of alternative feed material to replace flood-damaged fodder. The scheme will require farmers to demonstrate that the fodder was damaged and the extent of that damage and that it is necessary to purchase feed supplies to prevent animal welfare problems.”

UAE Market Reopened To Irish EU Beef

Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has warmly welcomed the decision by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government to lift its 8-year-old ban on the importation of Irish beef.

The Middle Eastern nation imposed the ban in January 2001 as a result of a review of beef controls in a number of EU countries, including Ireland.

Minister of State Killeen said the announcement was hugely significant as the UAE previously was a significant importer of Irish beef. He noted: “In the year preceding the ban, exports of Irish beef to the UAE amounted to over 5,200 tonnes and were valued at almost 8.3 million euro. The market is being re-opened to Irish beef under 30 months, and will provide another potentially important outlet for Irish beef.”

Minister of State Killeen added: “The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, together with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs, has been working vigorously to regain access to this important market. The re-opening of the market is recognition that the production of beef in Ireland is subject to extremely rigorous controls and reflects the importance we place on high standards for food safety.”

Killeen Welcomes Transfer Of Foreshore Licensing Functions

Fisheries Minister and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen has welcomed the publication of the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Bill 2009, which will give effect to the transfer of all Foreshore licensing functions not associated with aquaculture and sea-fishing, from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The State’s Foreshore stretches from the High Water Mark seawards for 12 nautical miles and foreshore consents are issued under the Foreshore Acts 1933-2005.

Minister of State Killeen said he expected that the legislation would commence its passage through the Oireachtas later this month.

He added: “Following enactment of this legislation, responsibility for Foreshore consents in respect of commercial projects on the Foreshore including, marinas, harbour and port developments and all energy related developments will become the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.”

Minister of State Killeen noted that the Bill was major step towards the development of a modern planning and development framework for the State’s Foreshore.

“This Bill will align licensing of major commercial offshore development projects with the core functions of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which already has responsibility for planning issues”, he concluded.

Department Of Health Confirms Tenth Swine Flu Related Death

A woman in the south has become the tenth person to die from human swine flu in the Republic of Ireland.

The Department of Health and the HSE confirmed this evening that the woman died from the H1N1 virus reportS RTE. The woman had an underlying health condition, but the department have not released any further details relating to her death.

Minister for Health Mary Harney has offered her sympathy to the family and friends of the woman.

Major EU And International Fisheries Negotiations Take Place In Clonakilty

Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food welcomed the commencement of major international coastal states fisheries talks at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food offices in Clonakilty today.

Discussions, which will continue until Friday, will aim to agree the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of mackerel for 2010. The TAC for 2009 amounted to over 600,000 tonnes. The meeting involves the European Commission, Swedish Presidency of the European Council, a delegation of 12 from Norway and the Faroe Islands, and a range of interested EU Member States including Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Poland, Germany and Ireland. The meeting will determine arrangements between the European Union, Norway and the Faroe Islands for the management of the almost three million tonne mackerel stock in the North East Atlantic.

Minister of State Killeen said he was pleased that the Clonakilty offices of the Department were hosting the negotiations, which is the first time such important international fisheries negotiations have been hosted in Ireland.

“This meeting will set not just the international TAC for 2010 but will critically also agree the access and other arrangements for the fishery. Mackerel is very important for the Irish fishing sector and this year the value of the catch for Irish fishermen is expected to be over EUR60 million”, stated Minister of State Killeen. He added: “The fishery is in addition worth a similar amount to our seafood processing industry in Donegal and along the western seaboard and provides significant seasonal employment in Donegal, Galway, Kerry and Cork. I wish all concerned best wishes for success at these negotiations so that we can be assured of good management and a sustainable fishery for 2010.”

Munster Lose To Edinburgh

Edinburgh 12-7 Munster

Edinburgh consolidated their place in the Magners League play-off places with a hard fought win over Munster - their first victory over the men in red since October 2006.

Scotland back Chris Paterson kicked four penalties for the hosts, while Ireland international Ronan O'Gara had an off night, missing three shots at goal. O'Gara did convert David Wallace's second-half try but it was not enough for the visitors.

Munster Lose To Edinburgh

Edinburgh 12-7 Munster

Edinburgh consolidated their place in the Magners League play-off places with a hard fought win over Munster - their first victory over the men in red since October 2006.

Scotland back Chris Paterson kicked four penalties for the hosts, while Ireland international Ronan O'Gara had an off night, missing three shots at goal. O'Gara did convert David Wallace's second-half try but it was not enough for the visitors.

Killeen Welcomes Major New Package On EU Fisheries Control

Mr Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today agreed a comprehensive fisheries control and inspection framework at the Fisheries Council.

Speaking in Luxembourg, Minister of State Killeen said: “My priority at Council was to secure measures that will give our fishermen confidence that there is real intent and the necessary tools in place that will address illegal fishing in the waters around our coast. These measures will help to deliver the level playing field on control that is necessary to rebuild fish stocks and protect the livelihood of our coastal communities which are fully dependent for their future on healthy fish stocks fished sustainable by all operators in our waters”.

Discussions on the new measures will overhaul the existing regime for fisheries control continued late into the night. The package of measures was finally agreed following intensive negotiations by Minister of State Killeen to ensure that Ireland's priorities and concerns were fully taken on board.

Minister of State Killeen continued: “I welcome these new measures which I believe are not a threat to Irish fishermen who have already moved substantially to a culture of compliance. As fisheries are a common resource it is vital that all operators from all EU fleets respect the rules. We must rebuild our fish stocks by implementing conservation measures and tackling illegal fishing by fleets in our waters which is the major cause of the decline in our fish stocks and quotas. With this package, we have now a better opportunity to stop the cycle of decline and secure a sustainable profitable future for our industry”.

The urgent need for a new control regime in European fisheries was clearly set down in a Court of Auditors report on data collection and control and enforcement under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The Court concluded that weaknesses in fisheries controls jeopardised the proper functioning of a fisheries management policy based on catch limitations. The objective of the new control regime is to address in a comprehensive way the shortcomings identified and modernise the delivery.

The new Regulation introduces a new and common approach to control, from net to plate. It will cover every stage in the process that sees fish caught, landed, brought to market and sold. Harmonised standards for inspection activities and procedures will help deliver uniform implementation. This new approach will make use of modern technologies and risk analysis. It will introduce systematic and automated cross checking of data collected at the catch, landing and sale stages, to make it easier to spot attempts to break the rules. These measures will be backed up by a comprehensive traceability system, so that all fish and fisheries products, whether imported or produced in the EU, can be tracked throughout the market chain.

Minister of State Killeen said: “I am satisfied that here early this morning we have delivered a strong and effective new regime that will support the accurate recording of fish catches and detect and help prevent infringement of conservation rules. For the first time the EU has moved closer to harmonised sanctions with the introduction of a 'penalty points system' to address persistent offenders against the rules. Those offenders will have their fishing licence suspended and eventually permanently withdrawn.”

“ I am satisfied that we have agreed a package of measures that will promote a level playing field across the EU and will foster a culture of compliance”, the Fianna Fail T.D. for Clare concluded.

WATERFORD - 23KM Waterford City Bypass Opens

A 23km bypass of Waterford City including the country’s longest cable-stayed bridge opened today, 10 months ahead of schedule.

The €600m tolled scheme will take up to 12,000 vehicles from the city’s quays. Tourism Minister Martin Cullen said the project heralded a new era for the south-east.

The bypass will shave 20 minutes off peak journey times on the N25 Rosslare/Cork route reports breakingnews.ie. It was funded through a PPP scheme and by the Government under the National Development Plan. The state paid €255m toward the scheme.

Cars will have to pay a toll of €1.90 while buses will have to fork out €3.40.

Proposal To Scrap Munster Hurling Championship | The Clare Herald

Proposal To Scrap Munster Hurling Championship | The Clare Herald

Early Retirement Scheme Funding Deadline Nears

Tony Killeen, Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has reminded farmers that applications for the additional funding recently announced under the Early Retirement Scheme must be submitted by the end of the month.

The provision of extra funding was announced by the Department of Agriculture last month and will allow a number of new applications to be accepted. According to Minister of State Killeen: “The additional funding has been provided with a view to accepting as many as possible of those applications completed or close to completion at the time entry to the scheme was suspended on 14th October 2008. In order to give those who might be eligible for admission to the scheme an opportunity to apply, farmers may submit their applications, accompanied by a lease/deed of transfer stamped by the Revenue Commissioners, to the Early Retirement Section in Johnstown Castle on or before 30th October 2009.”

The Junior Agriculture Minister added: “In processing new applications, the Department will give priority to those applications which have leases/deeds of transfer stamped by the Revenue Commissioners prior to 14th October 2008 and, thereafter, priority will be determined by reference to the date on which the lease/deed of transfer was stamped.”

"Any decision about further reopening the scheme will be taken only in the context of the annual Budget/Estimates process”, Minister of State Killeen concluded.

Development In Aisling Symes Case As Child's Body Is Discovered In Stormwater Drain

A body has been discovered in New Zealand close to where two-year-old Aisling Symes was last seen.

A statement from police confirmed that the body of a young child was found following a search of a storm water drain at the rear of a house in the Auckland suburb of Henderson, reports RTE. However, they have yet to identify the body and said it is too early to determine the gender.

The scene where the body was found has been sealed off for further investigation. Aisling, whose father Allan is originally from Co Waterford, was last seen playing outside the house a week ago. A reward has been offered for information leading to a successful conviction in the case. The money has been put up by British aristocrat Lord Ashcroft.

John Hayes Of Munster Receives Management Backing

Munster prop John Hayes received a show of support from his coach and captain today ahead of a hearing into an alleged stamping.

The Lions player faces a disciplinary panel tomorrow after an uncharacteristic red card offence on opposing prop Cian Healy during his team's Magners League defeat to Leinster on Saturday reports RTE.

Coach Tony McGahan insisted there was no malicious intent in the incident.

Davy Fitz The Bill For New Term As Waterford Manager

Waterford are expected to extend Davy Fitzgerald's tenure as hurling manager in the coming days.

Fitzgerald is close to an agreement with Waterford to continue for a third season, despite losing key members of his backroom team reports today's Irish Independent newspaper. The former Clare goalkeeper, who had heart surgery in late August and is still in recuperation, has been speaking to Waterford officials over the last few days with a view to continuing on.

If and when the Sixmilebridge man is confirmed he will be looking for replacements for selectors Maurice Geary and Peter Queally and team trainer Gerry Fitzpatrick. Fitzgerald will still require an all clear from his medical team but should get the green light to continue one of hurling's most challenging jobs.

Meanwhile Mickey Ned O'Sullivan is to stay on as Limerick football manager for a fifth successive year.

Waterford Firm Creates 20 Jobs

Twenty new jobs are to be created at a pharmaceutical company over the next two years.

EirGen Pharma, which is based in Waterford, said new contracts in Japan, USA and South Africa have paved the way for €3.3m expansion. Breakingnews.i.e reports the company will beef up its research and development and manufacturing operations, creating 20 new “high value” jobs.

This will double the number of people employed at the firm which makes drugs typically used in cancer treatment.

Majority Yes Vote Is Likely Lisbon Treaty Result - Fine Gael Exit Poll

Ireland's second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty is set to see a majority for the Yes side, according to an exit poll carried out by the country's opposition party, Fine Gael.

A spokesperson for the party told EUobserver that the private poll had shown that around 60 percent of people voted in favour of the treaty, reports EUobserver). The exit poll is based on 1,000 voters from 33 locations around the country. With 80 percent of the exit poll votes counted, the result shows 60 percent in favour and 40 percent against, said the spokesperson late on Friday evening (2 October).

Billy Timmins, director of elections for the party said: "These are very encouraging numbers for the Yes side and it's a testament to all the hard work done by Fine Gael and all those on the Yes side." The final result of the referendum will be announced on Saturday afternoon with official counting to begin early in the morning.

State broadcaster RTE reported that early indications of voter turnout show that more people went to the polls than in June last year, when Irish voters rejected the treaty by 53.4 to 46.6 percent on a turnout of 53.1 percent.

A Yes result will be strongly welcomed by Prime Minister Brian Cowen. His unpopular government had struggled with the task of trying to sell the treaty to the 3 million-strong electorate even as it trailed in the polls. It will also be greeted with huge relief in Brussels, where EU officials have been waiting with high anticipation to see whether Ireland would join the 26 other member states who have completed parliamentary ratification of the treaty, or reject the document again, a move that would have resulted in the agreement being binned for good.

If the Yes vote is confirmed, the focus will immediately turn to Polish President Lech Kaczynski and Czech President Vaclav Klaus, whose signatures are needed to complete ratification in both countries. The Polish president has previously indicated that he would sign the treaty soon after a Yes vote in Ireland. But Mr Klaus has given little indication of when he would be prepared to take the same step, amid a fresh court challenge against the text. The treaty needs to be ratified in all 27 member states to come into force.

Leinster And Munster To Name Sides For Magners Clash

Munster and Leinster are due to name their teams today for tomorrow's Magners League showdown at the RDS.

The two Irish provinces are level on points in second and third place on the table reports breakingnews.ie. Tomorrow's clash will be the first time this season that both sides have their full complement of Irish internationals available for selection.

All the Lions stars are back in action, but Munster captain Paul O'Connell and Leinster centre Brian O'Driscoll missed last weekend's matches with hamstring strains and are unlikely to last the 80 minutes.