Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 2

Written Answers. - Agriculture Research and Development.

Tom Moffatt

Question:

74 Dr. Moffat asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the initiatives, if any, he is taking in relation to research and development in agriculture; and the provision, if any, he has made for this in his annual Estimates. [3431/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

A properly focused research and development programme in the agriculture and food industries is essential for economic development of the sectors. Teagasc, in consultation with my Department, is implementing a corporate plan which has a major research component. This concentrates on cost reduction, improvement in quality, continuity of supply, food processing, environmental protection and animal and plant welfare.This programme is complemented by research undertaken by other institutions, especially the universities.

In addition to Exchequer resources, moneys are provided for research through the Structural Funds in the operational programme of agriculture, rural development and forestry and in the food sub-programme of the operational programme for industrial development.

The provision in my Department's Vote for 1995 for Teagasc is £44.674 million for research, advisory and training activities. There is also a separate provision of £41 million under the Structural Funds 1994-99 for institutional research in food. About £6.5 million of this is provided in the current year. Expenditure from this fund is decided on the basis of competition between research institutions.