Richard Bruton
Ceist:168 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans he has to assist the pig industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25481/03]
Written Answers. - Pigmeat Sector.
I, along with my Northern Ireland counterpart, commissioned a comprehensive study of the all-island pig industry. The study was conducted by Prospectus consultants in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and the Northern Ireland Enterprise Board and the report was produced in 2001. The key recommendations of the report highlight the need for rationalisation of the pig processing sector, improved supply chain management and the need to develop more consumer convenient pigmeat products. While these findings are largely a matter for the industry itself, my Department has been progressing these recommendations with the main players in the pig industry and this process will continue.
The health status of the pig herd is also a matter of major importance. My Department is engaged with the pig industry in the ongoing monitoring and control of a wide range of diseases such as Aujeszky's disease, salmonella, PRRS, which, as well as improving the health status of the national herd, is necessary to maximise the acceptability of Irish pigmeat in export destinations. Pig processing plants also operate under the supervision of the Department's veterinary service.
With regard to market access, it is my policy and that of the Government to ensure that Irish producers have access to markets worldwide. Irish pigmeat processors are currently trading pigmeat in significant markets such as Japan and the United States. My Department will continue to work with Bord Bia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the industry to identify and develop other potential markets. Discussions have been held with representatives of the pig industry on the introduction of a scheme to assist this industry to comply with EU welfare requirements. A decision on the introduction of such a scheme will be taken, inter alia, in light of the 2004 Estimates provision for my Department. The Teagasc programme of activities includes research in the area of pig nutrition, health and welfare. The main objectives of the advisory function in regard to the pig sector are better profitability and competitiveness based on improved growth rates and this is delivered to producers through farm visits, conferences, newsletters, etc.