Vol. 533 No. 4
112 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his Department will prepare a programme of assistance for the food industry to recover markets after the present outbreak of foot and mouth disease. [9133/01]
My immediate priority is to contain the single outbreak of foot and mouth disease. The very strict control measures that were in place prior to this outbreak have enabled us to convince the EU Commission to confine the necessary temporary restrictions on our exports to other Community countries to animal products originating in the county of Louth. The Commission decision in this respect permits the continuation of exports of animal products, subject to relevant certification, from all parts of Ireland with the exception of County Louth. Arrangements were quickly put in place to provide the necessary certification. Exports of animal based products from County Louth can also continue subject to heat treatment of these products. I am hopeful, therefore, that given the goodwill and commitment of all those concerned that the impact of foot and mouth disease on our valuable indigenous industry can be minimised.
An Bord Bia, which has statutory responsibility for the market development and promotion of food both at home and abroad, is concentrating its efforts on ensuring the provision of accurate information and the clarification of issues as they arise, in order to correct any misinformation or confusion that would jeopardise our markets abroad. An Bord Bia's priority is the continuation of service to the markets and the maintenance of programmes to the maximum extent possible. A programme tailored specifically to the current situation is in place. The focus of this programme within all markets is on trade liaison as the main activity with plans for promotional activities within the limitations in place.
The food related elements of the national development plan provide for an indicative public funding allocation of £282 million for the period to 2006 of which £48 million is earmarked for promotion and market development. This funding will be utilised by An Bord Bia to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of markets for Irish produce.
113 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his Department will request lending institutions to prepare schemes to assist individuals and companies affected by the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease. [9134/01]
I would fully expect that the banks and other lending institutions would be sympathetic to any of their clients who are adversely affected by foot and mouth disease or the measures taken to deal with it.
Farmers, food firms and others, whose business has been disrupted by the disease, may require special arrangements, such as the rescheduling of debt repayments, from the lending institutions and I hope they will be facilitated in this regard.
