Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004
80 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the composition of the management advisory committee of his Department; the number of times it has met since its formation; the number of times he has attended it in person; and the issues it has considered. [14977/04]
View answerThe members of the management advisory committee of my Department, which has been in existence for many years, are the Secretary General, the chief veterinary officer, the chief inspector and the nine assistant secretaries. The committee meets on a regular basis — at least once per fortnight — and more frequently if required. Together with the Ministers of State, I attend the committee about once per quarter and more frequently as necessary.
The committee considers a range of strategic, policy, organisational and financial issues at each meeting. During my attendance, it tends to focus on more strategic issues which in recent times have included such matters as the mid-term review of the CAP, developments in the agri-food industry, preparation for the Presidency and our expenditure situation. I have, of course, direct contact with members of the management committee on a day-to-day basis.
