Ivor Callely
Question:13 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the schemes available to the retail food sector, in particular, restaurant and food service areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22481/98]
Written Answers. - Retail Food Sector.
The Structural Funds food sub-programme provides a framework for the development of the food industry to the year 2000. In this context, a particular focus is placed on the marketing of Irish food and drink products on both the home and export markets to include both the retail and food service/catering operations.
In tandem with this, An Bord Bia, in striving to achieve its primary aim of accessing every viable market for Irish food and drink products, has a strategy which includes support for the retail food sector. This support is provided mainly through means of promotional activities such as media campaigns, food fairs and regional food festivals. In the restaurant and food service areas the board's activities comprise specialist seminars, specialist publications, a hotel and restaurant guide and tailor-made restaurant promotions. Seminars highlighting the high and unique quality of Irish food are conducted for chefs, student chefs and visiting overseas chefs. New Irish Cuisine is a highly regarded publication featuring innovative chiefs and the development of Irish contemporary cuisine, while the Travellers and Diners Guide 1998 features An Bord Bia awards of excellence. In addition to supporting the various promotional activities, An Bord Bia's food advisory centre carries out an ongoing programme with retailers, schools and restauranteurs as part of its recipe development programme.