Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 4

Written Answers. - Food Processing Industry.

David Stanton

Question:

174 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the strategy and plans, if any, his Department and Enterprise Ireland are employing to expand the food processing business in Ireland; the specific proposals, if any, which have shown or will soon show success in this area; the number of jobs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4452/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The current development strategy for the food industry covers the period from 1994 to 1999 and is contained in the food sub-programme of the operational programme for industrial development. The overall aim of the sub-programme is to build a competitive food industry which will generate national wealth and employment while helping to sustain rural economies. It provides for total public funding of £250 million through a range of support measures covering capital investment, research and development, marketing and promotion and human resources. The performance to date under the food sub-proramme has been satisfactory. Since 1993, the gross output of the industry has increased by £2.2 billion, exports have increased by £1 billion and some 10,200 gross jobs have been created.

The food industry development group, which was established under the aegis of my Department in 1998, was charged with the formulation of a future action plan for the industry. The group's report recommends the continuation of the integrated developmental approach contained in the sub-programme. In addition to emphasising the importance of continuing attention to food safety and quality matters, the report identifies other issues which need to be addressed in the context of competitiveness and market orientation. These concern the maximisation of efficieny and capabilities in the areas of innovation, production-processing, marketing and human resources. The report emphasises the need to maximise the added value elements of the various food sectors and refers to some sectoral specific issues that require attention. These range from rationalisation-restructuring of the beef sector to improved grading and storage facilities in the horticultural sector. The group's report will be taken into consideration in the context of the new national development plan and the next round of Structural Funds.