Ivor Callely
Question:108 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the legislative and administrative priorities of his Department in 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5281/96]
Written Answers. - Departmental Priorities.
The proposals for primary legislation at present in preparation in my Department with a view to their enactment in 1996 are: Control of Horses in Urban Areas Bill; Bovine Diseases (Levies) (Amendment) Bill, 1995; Legislation to replace the Greyhound Industry Acts, 1958 and 1993.
The following are the broad administrative priorities of my Department in the medium-term, which, of course, apply also in 1996.
Sectoral Goals
To promote the growth of a vibrant, consumer-oriented and added-value food processing sector, emphasising safety and quality, and taking account of more competitive international trading conditions. To ensure that the primary agriculture sector becomes more competitive and market oriented, having regard to changing consumer requirements and more competitive international trading conditions. To foster sustainable and environmentally friendly development of the forestry sector. To support a vibrant rural economy and the maximum number of viable farms through appropriate rural development policies, including income support for farmers. To foster the development of environmentally friendly systems of production and processing.
Operational Goals
To negotiate the optimum framework for the development of the farming, food and forestry sectors at EU and at the wider international level. To be efficient in implementing EU and national support and development schemes, and to ensure effective controls and accountability. To achieve the highest possible standards of food safety. To achieve the highest possible standards of animal health and welfare. To achieve the highest possible standards of plant health. To improve agricultural structures.
Organisational Goals
To develop new management processes to ensure more effective management of the Department at all levels. To be financially accountable in implementing the various EU and national support and development schemes and policies. To upgrade the knowledge, skills and professional competence of staff and to improve resource utilisation and organisation structures in line with the achievement of objectives. To provide information technology support for operations, analytical and legal support for policy evaluation and development, and information systems for all levels of management.
Specific actions being undertaken in 1996 for the achievement of these goals and the implementation of Government policies include: contributing to the maximum to a successful Irish Presidency of the EU in the second half of 1996; implementation of the strategic management initiative including the preparation of a statement of strategy; implementation of the Charter of Rights for Farmers; implementation and efficient operation of new arrangements for the bovine TB and brucellosis eradication schemes; implementation of the various operational programmes for rural development, agriculture, food and forestry; implementation of the programme of decentralisation decided by Government last July; the continued development of the horse racing industry; and publication of a strategy for the long-term development of the forestry sector.