Vol. 450 No. 7
96 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the category and total finance available to his Department or by an agency under the aegis of his Department for funding or grant-aiding projects in 1995; the existing number of jobs in this area; the potential increase in jobs in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5697/95]
The general information requested by the Deputy on the funds available in 1995 to my Department or agencies under its aegis to fund or grant aid projects is contained in the recently published Estimates for Public Services (Abridged Version) under Votes 31 and 32.
In common with other developed countries, employment in Irish agriculture has been gradually falling over the past decades. The overall level of employment in the agriculture, forestry, food and drinks sector now stands at 180,000 which represents 15.3 per cent of total employment in Ireland. Employment in primary agriculture is expected to decline, but with Union financed schemes operated by my Department, it is hoped to encourage diversification and alternative farm enterprises, many of which will offer greater opportunity for sustainable employment. In addition, employment in added value food processing and in timber processing is also expected to increase.
If the Deputy requires more specific information on particular categories of projects. I will make this information available to him on request.
