Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 4

Written Answers. - An Bord Glas.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

142 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food (a) the number of jobs created through the efforts of An Bord Glas and the areas where these jobs are evident, (b) the percentage increase in the home requirements of vegetables produced here since the Act came into force and the percentage increase in exports of vegetables, (c) the percentage increase in production of vegetables due to the efforts of An Bord Glas in the area of marketing, (d) the number of producers who have joined producer groups as a result of An Bord Glas and (e) if there have been any improvements in the quality of the produce due to the improved enforcement of grading standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

An Bord Glas was set up on an interim basis in April 1987 with the general remit of developing horticulture. The progress made by the interim board is referrred to in the speeches made to the Dáil and Seanad during the second stages of the Bord Glas Bill, 1989. I would refer the Deputy to volume 392, No. 5, columns 1327-1341 of the Official Dáil Report of 2 November 1989 and to Volume 123, No. 15, columns 1693-1705 of the Official Seanad Report of 7 February 1990.

The board of the statutory Bord Glas, set up under the Bord Glas Act, 1990, was appointed with effect from 20 July 1990. The statutory Bord Glas will continue the work of the interim board and in particular the implementation of the plans outlined in the documents entitledA Programme for the Development of Horticulture and A Programme for the Development of the Seed Potato Industry. These programmes envisage a combined market recovery and export expansion of some £60 million and the creation of 1,800 full-time and 1,500 part-time jobs by the end of 1993.

(a) Jobs Created: in 1988 it is estimated that 350 full-time jobs were created in horticulture; in 1989 some 300 full-time and 400 part-time jobs were created. Preliminary estimates suggest that up to 150 full-time jobs and 200 part-time jobs will be created in 1990.

(b) and (c) Percentage increase in home requirements of vegetables produced here, in exports and in production: detailed estimates of horticultural output for 1990 will not be available until early next year. However, the indications are that the trend in recent years of an increase in self-sufficiency is likely to have continued. In the period January-August 1990 exports of vegetables increased by 24 per cent compared with the same period of 1989, from £25.4 million to £31.4 million and imports declined by 30 per cent from £0.106 million to £0.075 million.

(d) Number of producers who have joined producer groups: the Department of Agriculture and Food retain legal responsibility for the official recognition of producer groups. A number of groups have been in discussion with the Department on this matter. However, as there are detailed organisational and legal requirements to be met in order to conform to EC Regulations, it could take up to a year from the time of application to the date of formal recognition.

(e) Grading standards: the Minister for Agriculture and Food has legal responsibility for the enforcement of grading and quality standards for horticultural produce. There has been a steady improvement in standards in recent years and An Bord Glas and the Department of Agriculture and Food will continue their efforts to ensure further improvement.