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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 5

Written Answers. - Beef Industry Task Force.

Michael Ferris

Question:

12 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the criteria used when appointing people to the newly announced task force on the beef industry; if he will appoint a person from the Irish Cattle Breeders and Stock Owners Association to this task force; his intention in relation the chairperson of this task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23229/98]

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

27 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether a person (details supplied) is a suitable person to serve on the beef industry task force. [23123/98]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

39 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the membership and terms of reference of the task force to examine the beef industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23104/98]

Because of the major challenges ahead for the beef industry, I have decided to set up a task force which will examine and make recommendations to facilitate the future development of the industry. The precise terms of reference will be agreed at the first meeting of the group but the aim will be to set out a strategic action plan covering the complete range of activities across the whole cattle and beef spectrum from primary production right through to the processing and marketing ends. The McKinsey report, which I commissioned through Forbairt earlier this year, provides a useful starting point for the work of the group and will be drawn on in the preparation of the action plan.

Because of the comprehensive nature of the task ahead and to ensure the widest possible representation within its remit, members are drawn from senior levels within the production and processing side of the industry as well as from the relevant State agencies. Organisations or bodies not represented on the task force will be given every opportunity to make submissions and to meet with the secretariat of the task force.

The task force will be chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture and Food, and I will circulate the membership in the Official Report. Given the nature of the task involved, I believe the composition of the group strikes the right balance and that collectively the membership brings the necessary expertise to address the issue which will facilitate the development of the sector.

Membership of Task Force on Beef.

John Malone (Chairman)

Secretary General, Department of Agriculture and Food

Tom Moran

Assistant Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Food

Tom Parlon

President, IFA

Michael Berkery

General Secretary, IFA

Raymond O'Malley

Chairman, IFA Beef Committee

Tom McAndrew

Chairman, Irish Meat Association

John Smith

Chief Executive, Irish Meat Association

Tom MacParland

Managing Director, Kildare Chilling

Dan Browne

Managing Director, Dawn Meats

Liam McGreal

Managing Director, Kepak

Frank Allen

President, ICMSA

John Cunningham

ICOS/Dairygold

Michael Duffy

Chief Executive, An Bord Bia

Mike Feeney

Enterprise Ireland

John Kane

National Industrial Secretary, SIPTU

Donal Carey

Teagasc

Paddy Moore

Personal Adviser to the Minister, Deputy Walsh

Executive Co-ordination/Secretariat: Derek Breen, (Enterprise Ireland), Aidan Cotter, (An Bord Bia), Richard Healy and Jarlath Coleman (Department of Agriculture and Food).
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