Vol. 553 No. 4
53 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food in regard to the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government the specific measures proposed to promote the highest standards of food safety and foster a culture of innovation, quality and excellence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13981/02]
The production of food to the highest possible standards of safety within sustainable farming systems is one of my major goals and objectives. This objective is and will continue to be pursued through monitoring, surveillance and inspection services in conjunction with the other regulatory authorities, particularly the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI. The FSAI, which was established by the Government in 1998, is a statutory, independent, science based agency with overall responsibility for the co-ordination and enforcement of food safety legislation in Ireland. My Department also works closely with the Food Safety Promotions Board, FSPB, to promote safety in the food supply throughout all of the island of Ireland.
Due to the importance of the food industry in Ireland, my Department provides assistance to food companies, State agencies and research institutions under the national development plan. For the period 2000-2006, a total of £282 million –€358 million – has been earmarked for the industry's needs of which investment in food safety related activities commands a priority. These funds are allocated to capital investment, research and development, including innovation, promotion and human resource development.
Bord Bia, which operates under the aegis of my Department, works in partnership with industry and operates a number of quality assurance schemes in the food sector. Teagasc also provides integrated research, advisory and training services on all aspects of food safety and food assurance. In addition to Teagasc, the universities, third level institutes and of course the private sector contribute to the whole research and innovation effort.
