Ruairí Quinn
Question:24 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for research programmes to develop quality foods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24502/04]
View answerWednesday, 13 October 2004
Questions (23)
Written answers
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 significant funding is provided for specific food related initiatives, including research and development. These have been designed to enhance the food industry's competitiveness and innovative capability while at the same time ensuring that development is underpinned by attention to food safety and consumer demands.
Substantial investment in research and development is required if companies are to expand sales and develop export markets. Under the national development plan, funding is provided at two levels: via the food institutional research measure, FIRM, administered by my Department and by way of in-company research and development funding administered by the Enterprise Ireland. To date, my Department has allocated over €55 million to research institutions to carry out public good research into food safety, new and innovative products, food ingredients, flavourings, consumer foods and nutrition and health. The Department is planning a specific call for further research proposals in the area of food safety and is considering an initiative which would be of benefit to the speciality food sector.
Under the national development plan, Enterprise Ireland has allocated over €20 million for the purpose of in-company research and technology transfer in the food sector, which is leveraging investment into innovative and convenience foods, functional foods and the emerging area of nutraceutical products. I am confident that these initiatives will assist the food industry to develop quality food products and position the food sector to avail of substantial market and export opportunities.