23 Meith 2014, 16:32
Committee to also meet farming organisations on Agri-taxation review
23 June 2014
Representatives from the drinks industry will be before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine tomorrow for a discussion on the contribution of their industry to the agricultural sector.
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) is a membership organisation which includes pubs, restaurants, hotels and independent off-licenses as well as drinks suppliers. It is estimated that the industry supports approximately 12,000 farm families in Ireland, through the purchase of produce such as barley, apples and milk.
Committee Chairman Andrew Doyle says: “Brewing and distilling in Ireland have a longstanding relationship with Irish agriculture and have always been a very significant driver of the economy in many rural areas.
“Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to engage with DIGI on the current outlook for the drinks industry. The large capital expansions of Diageo’s St James’ Gate facility and Jameson’s Midleton distillery are testament to the confidence and ambition within the sector. Tomorrow’s presentation is also expected to touch on the revival of Irish whiskey, with the many new distilleries coming on stream in recent years driving demand for Irish barley.”
“Our Committee looks forward to engaging with drinks industry representatives on the impact of their industry on the rural economy, its agricultural purchasing strategy and the ambitious plans for the future.”
Separately, the Committee will engage with a number of major farming organisations on the Agri-taxation review, which was announced in this year’s budget by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan TD with Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney TD. Representatives from the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association and Macra na Feirme will address the Committee.
Deputy Doyle continues: “The Agri-taxation review announced as part of Budget 2014 sets out to ensure we have a tax system that supports and incentivises farm families in increasing production, so that the ambitious targets of Food Harvest 2020 can be met. Tomorrow, representatives from the ICSA and Macra na Feirme will have an opportunity to outline any anomalies within the current tax system, and how the code can be improved to enhance the efficiency of Irish farms.”
The meeting takes place tomorrow Tuesday 24 June 2014 at 2 pm in Committee Room 3, LH 2000. Commencing with engagement with DIGI, it can be viewed online here.
Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.
ENDS
View Committee Membership.
For further information please contact:
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Houses of the Oireachtas,
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