Vol. 524 No. 6
196 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development whether he has satisfied himself with the development of the poultry industry; if he perceives any needs in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23663/00]
I see the ability to withstand competition, scale of processing facilities and the need for development of more market oriented and value added products as the main issues to be addressed by the poultry sector. While demand for poultry-meat is expected to continue to grow the industry is facing considerable competition from imported product in its attempts to maintain market share.
The Agri-Food 2010 report stressed that the Irish poultry processing industry must seek economies through rationalisation and the development of quality differentiated products. Accordingly, under the implementation programme for the national development plan, financial aid will be made available, through Enterprise Ireland, for suitable projects that address the issues of rationalisation, processing efficiency, competitiveness, product development and meeting the requirements currently being supplied by imported product.
My Department will be encouraging the poultry processing industry to evaluate its future needs and to address these, taking into account whatever financial assistance is available under the national plan. Best practice in terms of quality, safety and traceability of poultry meat products will also be encouraged and highlighted in Bord Bia funded market promotion initiatives.
