Pat Rabbitte
Question:110 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals he has to merge Bord Glas and Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29206/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Bodies.
The Government decided on 19 March 2003 to amalgamate Bord Glas with Bord Bia and the general scheme to effect this decision was approved in July. In preparing the general scheme, my Department consulted the main stakeholders in the horticulture sector who were asked to submit their views for inclusion in the legislation. Work on the legislation is at an advanced stage and Government approval will be sought shortly for publication of the Bill.
It is my intention to transfer all current functions of Bord Glas to the newly merged body. The food and horticultural sectors will be better served by the combined expertise of an amalgamated body which can bring together the synergies necessary to promote and market the food and horticulture industries at home and abroad.