asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total number of persons employed in the food processing industry including the meat industry on (a) 1 February 1987 and (b) 1 February 1988; whether his expansion plans for the industry are on target with particular reference to (i) total output and (ii) employment content; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Food Processing Industry.
27.
Employment figures on the dates specified by the Deputy are not available. The CSO statistics of employment in the food industry show a figure of 38,300 for 31 December, 1986. The most recent CSO statistics indicate that employment reached 38,800 in September, 1987.
The National Programme for Economic Recovery identified the food sector as an area where there are significant opportunities for creation of employment and wealth. The recently announced strategy for the food industry for the next 5 years envisages the creation of 5,000 new jobs in food processing and an increase in exports of £350 million by 1992. While major investment programmes in the meat and dairy sectors have been planned, the realisation of the targets in the strategy will occur as the investment programmes are implemented.