Vol. 564 No. 3
31 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the effect the merger of Bord Bia and Bord Glas will have on the farm gate value of horticulture which was valued at ?369 million in 2002, which is more than sheep, pigs, poultry and cereals. [9210/03]
43 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to develop Bord Glas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9092/03]
45 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the consultations he has engaged in with respect to the amalgamation of Bord Bia and Bord Glas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9080/03]
55 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to develop Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9093/03]
70 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he agrees that Bord Bia, Bord Glas, Teagasc and other bodies should be incorporated in one authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8845/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 43, 45, 55 and 70 together.
As I announced last week, the Government has formally approved the proposal to merge Bord Glas with Bord Bia and the future development of both bodies will be undertaken with due regard to the amalgamation and will of course be tailored to the strategic requirements of the merged body.
The legislation to effect the amalgamation is currently being drafted. The main stakeholders will be consulted as appropriate during this process. It is proposed to include all Bord Glas activities including support for producers in the new Bill. Bord Bia's statutory function is the marketing of Irish food and livestock at home and abroad. Bord Glas has a similar function in relation to edible horticultural produce on the home market and in relation to amenity horticulture both at home and abroad, and also has the function of developing the production of these sectors.
It is considered that the range of expertise available to a merged body would build on the strong track record of both bodies in developing for the future and that this would be of benefit to the horticulture and amenity horticulture sector. It is proposed to provide in the legislation for a sub-board with responsibility for horticulture including amenity horticulture and this will be examined in more detail at the drawing up of heads of a Bill.
