Liz O'Donnell
Question:54 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he is taking in the case of each proposal made by the Expert Group on the Food Industry.
Written Answers. - Food Industry Report.
Theresa Ahearn
Question:55 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if any decisions have been made by the Government on the recommendations made in Chapter 5 of the report of the Expert Group on the Food Industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Richard Bruton
Question:102 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if any decisions have been made by the Government on the recommendations made in Chapter 4 of the report of the Expert Group on the Food Industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Martin Cullen
Question:196 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he is taking in the case of each proposal made by the Expert Group on the Food Industry.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:198 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his response to the recently published report of the Expert Group on the Food Industry; if it is intended to implement the recommendations; his response to the minority report submitted therewith; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 55, 102, 196 and 198 together.
The report of the Expert Group on the Food Industry was received by me on 21 April. As I indicated at that time I regard the report as a milestone in the development of the Irish food industry and I believe that it will mark the beginning of a new and potentially very significant growth phase in the sector.
I have completed a full examination of the detailed recommendations contained in the report and my proposals for implementing them are currently being considered by the Government. Deputies will appreciate that until that process has been completed it would be quite inappropriate for me to provide details of the specific actions which I am proposing in any particular area.