Ivan Yates
Question:131 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will establish An Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Food Promotion.
I presume this question refers to recent media reports about the establishment of a single agency to promote Irish food.
As I have already indicated publicly, I consider that there is a case in favour of a single food promotion agency. However, the expert group on the food industry are currently drawing up a comprehensive food industry development programme, as recommended in the Culliton report, and I expect the group's conclusions to include its views on the matter to which the Deputy has referred. I expect also that in this context the group will take into account the new institutional framework recently agreed by the Government for the overall national industrial development effort. I therefore intend to await the group's conclusions before reaching a final decision in the matter.