Damien English
Question:47 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to extend the role of Bord Bia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24428/04]
View answerWednesday, 13 October 2004
Questions (46, 47)
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:58 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which she proposes to promote the food sector within farming here. [24551/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 58 together.
Bord Bia is the body with statutory responsibility for the market development and promotion of Irish food and drink at home and abroad. It has assumed, since July of this year, the additional responsibility for promoting and developing the production, marketing and consumption of horticultural produce, including amenity horticulture. Bord Bia plays a leading role in developing export markets and is universally acknowledged as doing a thoroughly professional job in promoting Ireland, "the Food Island". The recent Marketplace Ireland event is but one example of this strive for excellence.
The critical importance of marketing was identified in the 2004 enterprise strategy group report to the Tánaiste entitled, "Ahead of the Curve". My Department shares this philosophy and will continue to support the board in its role including, if necessary, the expansion of that role.