Vol. 505 No. 3
41 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to bring forward proposals for the long-term development of Irish agriculture in view of the fact that Agenda 2000 is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13624/99]
I have established a high level committee to propose a strategy for the development of agriculture and the food industry over the next decade, following on the agreement on Agenda 2000, which sets out the framework for the development of those sectors, and in the light of the changes and challenges which are likely to evolve nationally and internationally over that period. The committee will be chaired by Mr. Pat O'Neill and includes a range of distinguished people with expertise in relation to agriculture and food.
In addition, the National Development Plan 2000-06, which will be published later this year, will address important structural issues in agriculture and the food industry. Specifically the Plan will set out how the Government proposes to put into operation the measures included in the EU Council Regulation on support for rural development, which forms part of the Agenda 2000 package, and the industrial support measures which will apply to the food industry.
