Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 6

Written Answers. - Food Processing Industry.

Peter Barry

Question:

136 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his views on whether research and development in food processing is vital for the future of the industry; whether he agrees that the £15 million a year invested in research and development on this segment of the industry compares badly with the £50 million spent similarly in Denmark; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Peter Barry

Question:

137 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to expand the marketing services provided by CBF, BIM and An Bord Tráchtála to raise the competitiveness of the Irish food processing industry; and his views on whether advantages would accrue from integrating the services provided by these with those provided by other agencies, notably UCC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.

Research and development and marketing programmes are essential for the ongoing development of most industries including the food industry. As regards research and development, my Department already provides some funding to Teagasc for food research. The Culliton report has indicated that the level of funding of research and development in Ireland is small by comparison with other countries with which we must compete. It is, of course, my aim to move towards a situation where the overall funding level by the EC, the State and the processing industry should be such as to ensure both that our research institutions are able to carry out their necessary tasks effectively and that Irish firms are encouraged to develop their R & D programmes. I intend to pursue this aim to the greatest possible extent consistent with limitations on national financial resources.

In the case of marketing, my Department already supports the activity of CBF through a grant-in-aid, and that organisation also receives income from levies and from EC funds. I would encourage CBF to develop its market development and promotion services and I understand that it is proposed to do so. BIM and ABT are not under the aegis of my Department. The Culliton report indicated a need to co-ordinate and integrate State-aided agency support for overseas food marketing.

The Expert Group on the Food Industry, established under one of the Culliton recommendations and due to report within the next month or two, has both the question of research and development and that of the organisational structure of food promotion agencies within its remit.