10 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the moneys which are currently being provided by the State for (a) agricultural education and alternative enterprises (b) research and development and (c) marketing; and if he has any plans to obtain further funds from the EC for these activities.
In so far as the Vote for my Department is concerned, there is no expenditure on each of the areas mentioned by the Deputy.
As regard education-training and research, the budget of Teagasc in 1991 is approximately £56 million, of which about £33 million comes from State funds. Of the £56 million, approximately 30 per cent is spent on education and training and some 50 per cent on research. In addition, my Department will have spent directly some £1.9 million on research and testing in the current year.
Alternative enterprises are dealt with under the operational programme for rural development for which a total amount of about £40 million will be committed by the State up to the end of 1993. Diversification of the rural economy, a heading which covers alternative enterprises, is expected to account for about 30 per cent of the total funds — national and EC — available for this heading for the period mentioned.
As regards marketing, my Department have provided £1.5 million this year to CBF which carries out marketing development and promotion in the meat sector. In addition, a sum of £800,000 was provided for An Bord Glas, which is charged with the task of improving the marketing of horticultural produce.
In view of the importance of the activities referred to by the Deputy, I intend to use every available opportunity to seek further Community funds for such purposes. I expect to have discussions with the European Commission shortly on the allocation of such additional funds for the period from 1993 onwards.
A brief question, Deputy, as the time for dealing with Priority Question is almost exhausted.
If the Minister gets the money from what source does he expect the money will come?
Under the Maastricht arrangements there is to be an increase in funding in this area. Even though Maastricht was only last week we have begun our representations to try to ensure we get any——
Does the Minister have specific figures?
I cannot give specific figures. The Deputy will have to put down a separate question.
When will a decision be made?
We must now proceed to Question No. 12.
