Joe Sherlock
Question:3 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline his plans to promote the development of the food processing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Processing Industry Development.
In line with the priority given to the agri-food industry in the Programme for National Recovery a five year strategy for the food and drink industry covering the period 1988-1992 was drawn up by the IDA in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Food. The basic aim of that strategy is to prepare the industry to compete effectively on European and world food markets, and thus maximise its contribution to the national economy by, in particular, addressing weaknesses in areas such as marketing, management, product development and scale. That general approach was endorsed in the recent report of the Agriculture and Food Policy Review Group.
While I am satisfied that, so far the strategy which I have outlined has proved very successful, obviously changing circumstances may require that it be adapted. In this connection the Government have stated in the recently negotiated Programme for Economic and Social Progress that in the light of the ongoing negotiations on the reform of the CAP and the report of the policy review group they intend to review all national policies relating to agriculture and food with a view to drawing up a new development programme for the sector.
I cannot understand how the Minister of State can give that kind of reply to my question when he knows well that the job situation in the food industry is not good and that food exports have been declining in the past 12 months. A document, 225/90, was issued by the Minister for Agriculture in relation to the operational programme for rural development and a small sum of just £4 million was earmarked for horticulture. Is the Minister of State aware that since the amalgamation of Mitchelstown and Ballyclough, and the formation of Dairygold, it is proposed to halve the workforce in Mitchelstown, and that the cheese is being imported? Can the Minister say what part of this policy that has been drafted between the Department and the IDA is being put into effect? Will the Minister assure us that the situation will now be taken seriously and the potential of our food industry will be fully developed?
The strategy for the development of the agri-food industry is to establish an internationally competitive food industry here. It is unfair and inaccurate to say that exports have not been increasing over the past few years, they have increased very substantially. Overall jobs have been increasing as well. I appreciate that there has been a number of direct job losses, but in the main they have been made up by an increase in the number of service jobs where people have gone from direct employment into indirect employment.
What is the investment in the food industry and will the Minister specify in what sphere the jobs are being created? Will he agree that since last August there has been a decline in our food exports and that consequently we are importing food?
I have to say that if the next question is to be disposed of it must be taken now.