asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will provide figures for jobs in the food industry from 1983 to 1988 inclusive; and if he has satisfied himself that a market led strategy which has been adopted for the industry will ensure the maintenance and the growth in jobs in the area over the next five to ten years.
Written Answers. - Food Industry.
72.
CSO statistics show that the number of people employed in the food (excluding drink) industry at 31 December in the years in question is as follows:—1983, 42,200; 1984, 40,200; 1985, 39,300; 1986, 38,100; 1987, 37,200; 1988, 36,500.
I am satisfied that the Government's policy for the industry set out in the strategy for the food and drink industry 1988-1992 prepared by the IDA in consultation with my Department and in the National Development Plan 1989-1993 will foster the creation of new jobs in the medium term.