Vol. 564 No. 3
54 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that there is sufficient investment in research to ensure that Irish produced foods can compete on the European and Third World country markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8862/03]
The Government is committed to ensuring an efficient, competitive agricultural sector capable of delivering high quality, safe food. In recognition of the pivotal role that research and development plays in the development of the agri-food industry, significant funding is provided by Government to Teagasc for its research, advisory and education services.
Investment in research and development is one of the key priorities in the national development plan initiatives for the food industry and considerable progress has been made to date. Under the food institutional research measure, which is administered by my Department, up to the end of 2002 a total of 77 projects have been awarded funding totalling €37 million to third level institutions and Teagasc. With regard to the in-company research and development element of the measure, administered by the development agencies, a total of €13.6 million has been committed under the plan in the same period. I am satisfied that this level of funding and funding mechanisms for research and development in the food industry will help ensure that Irish products can compete on international markets.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 31.
