David Andrews
Question:47 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the role of his Department in the field of food exporting and trade. [14033/95]
Written Answers. - Department's Food Role.
As a consequence of the establishment of An Bord Bia as a statutory body reporting to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry my Department now has overall responsibility for all matters relating to exports of, and trade in food except those involving fish. The position in relation to fish is that, as I indicated during Second Stage of An Bord Bia (Amendment) Bill, 1995, I have agreed with the Minister for the Marine that An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and An Bord Bia should co-operate closely in the marketing of fish exports with a view to the ultimate transfer of these functions to An Bord Bia. The Minister for the Marine will, as a result, nominate a person for appointment to the board of An Bord Bia.