Vol. 496 No. 5
31 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the aspects, if any, he has implemented in relation to his statement of strategy; the priorities for 1999 in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23230/98]
Progress has been made under all the major departmental goals set out in the Statement of Strategy since it was published in May of this year. The first annual progress report will be prepared next April setting out the main actions taken during the year.
There will be a large number of priority areas for action in 1999, including the following — the relevant chapter reference in the statement of strategy is shown in brackets. On Policy Goals, priority will continue to be given to a range of actions in support of farm incomes (7.3, 7.4); Agenda 2000 negotiation are continuing and are expected to conclude early in 1999. Thereafter there will be further work in ensuring the efficient implementation of the decisions made (7.6); the detailed planning for the agriculture, food and rural development aspects of the next round of the structural funds is already under way and will be finalised in 1999 (7.1, 7.3); a White Paper on Rural Development will be published (7.4); and the task force on the beef industry will report on its findings (7.1, 7.3).
On Operational Goals, the reorganisation of the Department will continue in 1999 (8.3); the decentralisation of staff to the new Wexford office will continue (8.3); the delegation of functions under the Public Service Management Act and the new performance management system will begin implementation (8.3).
In addition to these specific actions, the Department of Agriculture and Food will of course continue the very broad range of activities in support of the agriculture and food sectors which are set out in the strategy document.
