Vol. 527 No. 3
188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his proposals for the further development of the poultry industry with particular reference to turkeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28656/00]
The report of the Agri Food 2010 committee proposes a strategy for the development of the Irish agriculture and food industry over the next decade. As regards poultry the report identifies lack of scale as a key weakness and suggests a reduction in the number of approved poultrymeat plants from 23 to about seven, and a reduction in capacity of at least 20%, to achieve an optimum industry structure. While the report also recognises that such extreme rationalisation is unlikely, nevertheless it illustrates how far our current structures are from the optimum and therefore the clear need for significant change. The report also highlights the need for a more consumer-oriented approach by increasing the range of value-added and quality differentiated and niche products if further market share is not to be lost. It must be emphasised that the report stresses that it is the responsibility of the industry itself to set in train the rationalisation that is necessary for its future survival.
The plan of action setting out the Government's response to the 2010 report indicates that financial assistance will be available under the national development plan through Enterprise Ireland for investment projects which address issues of competitiveness, product development, scale and processing efficiency.
