Jim O'Keeffe
Question:157 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the final arrangements made in relation to An Bord Bia; its location, staffing and annual budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - An Bord Bia.
The drafting of the legislation to establish An Bord Bia is now at an advanced stage and the draft legislation will be introduced in the House shortly.
As is usual with State agencies of this kind, issues of staffing and funding will be a matter for me in consultation with the Minister for Finance. As the Deputy will be aware, approximately £4.15 million has been allocated in the 1994 budget for certain food promotion and market development purposes, including the setting up of An Bord Bia.
As regards location, I have informed the House on a number of occasions that the question of locating the headquarters of An Bord Bia will be addressed after the legislative process establishing An Bord Bia has been completed.