Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 6

Written Answers. - Food Export Supports.

Micheál Martin

Question:

30 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the supports, if any, An Bord Tráchtála offers to food exporters; and the way in which its policies are co-ordinated with An Bord Bia and other semi-State bodies. [7447/96]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

Since the establishment of An Bord Bia in 1994, An Bord Tráchtála does not have a direct function in relation to the food and drinks sector.

However, ABT works in a co-operative and constructive fashion with ABB to ensure that the best possible support is provided to all industry, while keeping in mind that any wasteful duplication or overlap should be avoided. The manner in which this broad policy approach is reflected in ABT's operations is a day-to-day matter for ABT.

On the wider question of inter-agency co-ordination, the Deputy will be aware that I am very much of the view that there should be the greatest possible level of co-ordination between the State promotional bodies in their overseas promotion and marketing activities.

The Foreign Earnings Committee, which is chaired by the Minister for Tourism and Trade and on which the relevant Government Departments and State agencies, including ABT and ABB, are represented, plays a key role in monitoring the combined promotional effort abroad and ensuring the most cost-effective return on the resources allocated to the promotion of Ireland's economic interests.

To this end the committee has addressed issues such as the development and promotion of Ireland's image overseas and the possibilities for joint advertising campaigns together with practical initiatives to improve the operational effectiveness of overseas representation.