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Vol. 971 Thursday, No. 7 12 July 2018 DÍOSPÓIREACHTAÍ PARLAIMINTE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DÁIL ÉIREANN TUAIRISC OIFIGIÚIL—Neamhcheartaithe (OFFICIAL REPORT—Unrevised) Insert Date Here 12/07/2018A00100Ceisteanna - Questions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 935 12/07/2018A00200Priority Questions� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 935 12/07/2018A00250Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 935 12/07/2018B00350Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 938 12/07/2018C00900Fodder Crisis � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 941 12/07/2018D00850Weather Events � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 943 12/07/2018E01250Agriculture Industry � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 947 12/07/2018F01800Other Questions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 950 12/07/2018F01900Fodder Crisis � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 950 12/07/2018G00350Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Review� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 952 12/07/2018G01250Suckler Welfare Scheme Payments � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 954 12/07/2018H00950Brexit Supports � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 957 12/07/2018J00700Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Review� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 958 12/07/2018K00500Leaders’ Questions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 960 12/07/2018N00600Questions on Promised Legislation � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 969 12/07/2018Q01600Shared Maternity Leave and Benefit Bill 2018: First Stage � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 977 12/07/2018Q02400Road Traffic (Regulation of Rickshaws) (Amendment) Bill 2018: First Stage� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 978 12/07/2018R00800Estimates for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission: Motion � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 979 12/07/2018R01100Employment Equality Act 1998 (section 12) (Reservation of Vocational Training Places) Order 2018: Motion 979 12/07/2018R01400Air Services Agreements: Motion � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 979 12/07/2018R01800EU Directive on Financial and Other Information: Motion � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 980 12/07/2018S00100Implications of Brexit for Irish Ports: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 980 12/07/2018X00100Fossil Fuel Divestment Bill 2016: Order for Report Stage � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 989 12/07/2018X00400Fossil Fuel Divestment Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 989 12/07/2018HH00900Water Conservation: Statements � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1012 12/07/2018NN00200Topical Issue Matters � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1024 12/07/2018NN00400Message from Select Committee� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1024 12/07/2018NN00600Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016: From the Seanad � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1024 12/07/2018OO01100Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1028 12/07/2018PP01400Topical Issue Debate � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1032 12/07/2018PP01500Social and Affordable Housing Funding � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1032 12/07/2018QQ00300Garda Station Closures � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1035 12/07/2018RR00400Hospital Appointments Delays � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1037 12/07/2018SS00600Human Rights � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1040 12/07/2018TT00500Northern Ireland and Brexit: Statements� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1044 12/07/2018CCC00100Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage� � � � � � � � � � �1060 12/07/2018JJJ00900Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2018: Order for Committee Stage � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1075 12/07/2018JJJ01200Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2018: Committee and Remaining Stages � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1075 DÁIL ÉIREANN Déardaoin, 12 Iúil 2018 Thursday, 12 July 2018 Chuaigh an Leas-Cheann Comhairle i gceannas ar 10�30 a�m� Paidir. Prayer. 12/07/2018A00100Ceisteanna - Questions 12/07/2018A00200Priority Questions 12/07/2018A00250Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations 12/07/2018A003001� Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he is taking at EU level to ensure the proposed budget cuts for the 2021-27 Com- mon Agricultural Policy, CAP, programme are reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32065/18] 12/07/2018A00400Deputy Charlie McConalogue: I wish to ask the Minister what actions he is taking at EU level to ensure the proposed budget cuts to the 2021-27 CAP programme are reversed and whether he will update the House about his efforts. As the Minister is aware, this is a source of grave concern to the farming sector both domestically and across Europe. The current budget proposals would see a reduction in Pillar 1 payments of 4% and in Pillar 2 payments of 21%� Every effort and political dedication is required to try to address that and to ensure it does not end up hitting farm income and farmers’ pockets domestically� The onus is on the Minister to deliver that at European level� I look forward to hearing his update on that today� 12/07/2018A00500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): By way of in- troduction I would point out that in discussing the funding of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, we should bear in mind that this funding forms part of a broader EU budget which is nego- tiated by Finance Ministers and then agreed by the European Council and European Parliament. The European Commission has proposed, as part of the multi-annual financial framework, MFF, 2021-2027, that funding for the CAP should be set at €365 billion. This would equate to a cut of approximately 5% in the next MFF period of 2021-27� 935 Dáil Éireann This MFF proposal must now be negotiated by Finance Ministers and agreed by the Euro- pean Council and the European Parliament� The intention of the Commission is to reach overall agreement on the MFF before the European Parliament elections in 2019. The MFF is a critical matter for all member states and its agreement requires unanimity at the EU Council. It is clear there are divergent views among member states on the appropriate level for the budget. While some are prepared to increase contributions, in particular if there are areas of added European value, there are others who equally feel strongly that the current proposals, such as they are, are too costly� We also have to be aware that in the light of the departure of the UK from the EU, some €12 billion per annum in UK contributions will be removed from the budget. Against this back- ground, agreeing the MFF will be very challenging. Nonetheless, the proposal published by the European Commission is an initial position only. The final outcome will be determined by negotiations at EU level over the coming period. Achieving Ireland’s priorities in these negotiations will be a key issue for the Government. I believe that European agriculture policies have delivered for Irish farmers and consumers. I want to see support under these programmes continued and Ireland will approach these negotia- tions with this in mind� The CAP proposals require more from farmers in terms of environmental standards. I be- lieve that Irish farmers have already made a significant contribution to the environment and are prepared to do more� However, the high production and environmental standards required of EU producers must be properly supported by
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    Don't Tax Our Health Choices!

    DON’T TAX OUR HEALTH CHOICES! From March 1st 2019 the Government will be applying VAT at 23% to all Vitamin, Probiotic & Food Supplements. These supplements have been VAT free for the last 40 years! A2 POSTER CODE: VAT03 A4 POSTER CODE: VAT04 +23% Available from Wholefoods VAT HEALTH IS NOT A LUXURY! SIGN THE PETITION TODAY! @stopthisvat www.stopthisvat.ie What is happening: The Revenue Commissioners have decided that on March 1st 2019, 23% VAT will be applied to all health food supplements. This includes Vitamins, Probiotics and Fish Oil. What does this mean? On March 1st 2019, retailers must apply 23% VAT to all health food supplements, resulting in a 23% price increase for consumers. Such a sudden and radical increase in taxation will put a huge strain on consumers and cause many to have to reconsider their approach towards managing their health. This is bound to seriously damage the local Irish businesses that are the cornerstone of the industry sector, particularly if consumers turn to the international Internet to try and obtain a better priced product. What can I do: • Sign the petition (online and in-store) which can be found at www.stopthisvat.ie. • Additional petition hardcopies are available from Wholefoods Wholesale (product code: VAT02). Wholefoods drivers will happily take completed petitions back from you. Please ensure that all petitions are returned to Wholefoods by February 18th. • Actively encourage customers to sign the petition and highlight what VAT will mean for their purchases. • Email or write to your local minister or TD. Sample text can be found on page 3 of this document.
  • Oireachtas Monitor 230 Published: 23 January 2017

    Oireachtas Monitor 230 Published: 23 January 2017

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  • Key Campaigns for System Change 2013

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  • Oireachtas Monitor 198 Published: 25 January 2016

    Oireachtas Monitor 198 Published: 25 January 2016

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