Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the outset of the budgetary process the Government was determined to build on the progress achieved in recent years in developing the agrifood sector, in particular to further contribute to the growth and prosperity the sector has achieved in recent years. I welcome the allocation of €110 million for the 2015 forestry programme. There is an allocation of €13.6 million for Bord na gCon, €7.2 million for the commercial horticulture sector and more than €6 million allocated for organics and the provision of €81 million for food safety and animal and plant health.

I also welcome the commitment given by the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to €74 million in funding for the beef sector. The allocation for forestry is the largest share of the public capital programme in the Department. I welcome that it includes the forestry programme, the provision of grants for the establishment of new forests and the continuation of other forest support schemes such as forest roads.

The provision of Government funding has been a major factor in the development of this industry over the past number of decades. I am pleased that the Government has been able to commit €110 million towards its continued development. It was one of the best achievements in recent years. The sector was under significant pressure to source funding and has been able to do so. Many jobs have been created by the sector. There are now more trucks carrying timber across Ireland than there are hauling cattle. That tells one the impact forestry has on the rural economy, in particular at a time when jobs are so scarce.

The Government will continue to support the greyhound racing industry through the horse and greyhound fund. Last July I announced a review of certain matters in regard to Bord na gCon. Indecon produced a report and I will visit Bord na gCon in the next few days to make sure it is implemented. I am glad to say it has accepted the recommendations to put it on a road which will create jobs in rural areas and enhance tourism possibilities in many towns throughout the country.

The commercial horticultural sector has been allocated €7.2 million. I am delighted that provision of €4.2 million has been provided to fund capital investment in the horticultural sector and €3 million in funding will be provided for the food and horticultural promotion fund. The scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticultural sector represents the main source of State funding for horticulture producers and is vital for improving growth, competitiveness and quality of output, as well as allowing growers to innovate and diversify production in a sector where output per annum is in the region of €300 million at farm gate. Many jobs are being created across the horticulture sector. The Irish consumer wants food that is produced locally and we have the land and climate to meet that demand.

My Department has allocated €81.5 million for food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health. This includes a broad array of measures, including meat inspection and brucellosis and TB testing. Such measures are important, given that we export what is probably the best food in the world and markets all over the world are opening up. We need to make sure we have high standards of food safety regulation which guarantees consumers that they are buying a quality product.

Some €6 million in extra funding has been allocated to the organic sector. When we launched the plan this year we wanted to encourage people into the sector. I travelled all over Europe and the market for the organic sector is significant. Only yesterday I attended a function in Bord Bia and saw the figures. There is a need for the sector to grow and I encourage farmers with suitable land to enter the sector.

All in all agriculture has benefitted from the budget. The Government is committed to developing the sector.

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