Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:66 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason members of the ICSA have not been appointed to the Beef Task Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27862/98]
Written Answers. - Beef Industry Task Force.
I set up the task force on the beef industry to examine and make recommendations to facilitate the future development of the industry. Because of the comprehensive nature of this task and to ensure the widest possible representation within its remit, members are drawn from senior levels within the production and processing side of the industry as well as from the relevant State agencies. Representations were made from many organisations, all of whom have a direct interest in the industry, for membership of the task force. Unfortunately, it was not possible to have all of these organisations, including the ICSA, represented.
I arranged, however, for organisations or bodies not represented to be given every opportunity to make submissions and to meet with the secretariat of the task force. Their particular concerns and recommendations will be taken into account as the task force progresses its work. In this regard a meeting, which I also attended, took place between the ICSA and the task force secretariat on 9 December 1998.
Given the nature of the task involved, I believe the composition of the group strikes the right balance and that, collectively, the membership has the necessary expertise to address the issues which will facilitate the development of the sector.