Bernard J. Durkan
Question:102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to improve the marketing of Irish food products abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23343/98]
Written Answers. - Food Marketing.
Bord Bia was established in 1994 for the express purpose of improving the export promotion and market development arrangements for food. The board's objective, as set out in its five year plan, 1995-9, is to increase the sales and exports of the Irish food industry while strengthening its market position. That plan is being implemented through a series of programmes, all of which are sufficiently flexible to enable them to be adapted to meet changing circumstances. Despite the marketing difficulties currently being experienced in some sectors, I am satisfied that the board's approach is the correct one and that, as evidenced by our food and drink export sales in 1997 — an increase of 3 per cent with earnings of almost £4.9 billion — it is proving to be extremely successful.