Enda Kenny
Question:294 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his objective, in so far as Coillte is concerned, in regard to regional development in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Regional Development.
It is my policy to ensure that the forestry sector as a whole develops in a way which will achieve an overall balance of benefit throughout Ireland. The Deputy will be interested to note that this aspect will be specifically addressed in the strategic plan for the development of the forestry sector to this year 2015 which is currently being prepared. I can assure the Deputy that Coillte will play an important and constructive role in the achievement of the regional policy objective for forestry.
Enda Kenny
Question:295 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his objective, in so far as Teagasc is concerned, in regard to regional development in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In so far as regional development may be taken to include rural development, for which I have responsibility, my objective is to maximise the contribution which state agencies at local level can make to this process.
In the case of Teagasc, that organisation's functions in relation to the provision of advice, education, training and research in agriculture includes rural development.
In this regard, Teagasc had a role in promoting the farm diversification measures under the operational programme for rural development and in providing training opportunities for those involved in rural development intitiatives. Its staff are also participating in a number of the groups operating the Leader programme.