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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Feb 1999

Vol. 501 No. 1

Written Answers. - Beef Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has for the development and expansion of the beef industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5499/99]

The overall strategy of the Government for the development of the beef sector is to ensure its full potential is realised thereby maximising its contribution to the national and rural economy. The achievement of this involves action on a number of fronts.

At EU level, it is my objective to ensure that the CAP support system for beef is such as to support and encourage the development of the sector from primary production on farms right along the production and processing chain to the placing of the final product on the retail shelves. Of crucial importance in this context is the establishment of suitable and adequate support systems for primary producers. Also, given our dependence on exports, an appropriate export policy must be an integral part of this framework. The contribution of An Bord Bia is important in supporting the marketing efforts of the industry.

I have set up a task force, representative of all those operating within the sector, to devise an action plan aimed at overcoming the obstacles which stand in the way of the full development of the sector. This task force, which is looking at primary production, processing and marketing, is expected to conclude its work shortly.
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