Vol. 574 No. 1
141 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the call made by nine seafood industry organisations not to allow responsibility for the promotion and marketing of fish to be transferred from BIM to Bord Bia, as they are of the view this would send out a message that the industry was being marginalised; his views on this call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26266/03]
189 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to transfer part of BIM to the Department of Agriculture and Food under the direction of Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26381/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 189 together.
At present, the Government is considering how the effectiveness of the State's overall food marketing effort can be improved. In this regard, existing structures for delivery of services are being examined. While BIM has an enviable record in the marketing and promotion of Irish seafood, I believe it would be unwise to rule out any initiatives which could improve the State's performance in this area, in the interests of underpinning and expanding jobs for Irish seafood producers and processors. I am aware of the concerns expressed by seafood representatives and these will be considered when a final decision is being taken on the matter.
