Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Good. Judging by the reports that I have had from Bord Bia and departmental officials, it was a very successful conference. Local authorities are facilitating the development of farmers' markets throughout the country, and the Office of Public Works, following correspondence between the Minister of State and me, is also anxious to facilitate such development where feasible. Bord Bia, working in conjunction with the various Leader programmes, is eager to develop the farmers' markets, which are proving very successful. There are several areas where we would like to see their further growth and development.

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