Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:35 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has satisfied himself with the current levels of funding of food research and development.
Written Answers. - Food Research and Development.
While I do not have complete data on the level of research and development expenditure nationally, I am aware of the criticism in the Culliton report of both the inadequate focus of existing State supports and the lack of co-ordination between the agencies. The House will note that in this year's budget we took a step towards remedying this situation. A sum of £250,000 has been made available to establish a fund which will be used to encourage research institutions to carry out collaborative projects in the food area. I consider research to be a priority for the future and to this end I expect to be able to build up this fund through the use of the new Structural Fund arrangements. I should also point out that this matter is being examined by the expert group on the food industry, whose report will be with me shortly.