asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total number of jobs in the food industry as of (a) 1 January 1986, (b) 1 January 1987, (c) 1 January 1988 and (d) 1 January 1989; the number of mergers/takeovers which took place in the period January 1986 to January 1989 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Data on Food Industry.
38.
CSO figures for those employed in the food industry (including drink) are as follows: 1 January 1986, 45,200; 1 January 1987, 44,000; 1 January 1988, 42,800; 1 October 1988, 42,400 (latest available CSO data).
There was a total of 15 mergers/takeovers dealt with under the Mergers, Takeovers and Monopolies (Control) Act during 1986 and 1987 involving the food and drink sector. Details for 1988 and 1989 will be available in due course in the annual reports published in accordance with the Mergers, Takeovers and Monopolies (Control) Act, 1978, as amended.
The food industry today is undergoing a number of major investment and rationalisation programmes aimed at the creation of an internationally competitive industry to meet the challenge of the single European market. Part of the rationalisation involves a growing trend within the industry of contracting out services not directly related to core business and many jobs now appear in the services sector rather than the food industry. The completion of the investment programmes will result in the creation of a more viable industry with a more secure future.