Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Some of us on this side of the House wish to be positive about the industry. Consolidation has taken place at dairy processing level in line with prospectus recommendations but its main recommendations remain to be implemented. This is primarily the responsibility of the processing sector. We will continue to engage with the processors to achieve the optimum configuration within the sector, especially in terms of scale.

This is an opportune time to encourage the growth of rural-based food enterprises, specialising in artisan and speciality foods with a strong regional identity. The market for speciality food is valued at over €6 billion in the UK and in Ireland it is forecast to grow to €7.5 billion in three years. Several proposals in this plan specifically promote this area: Bord Bia will establish a centre of excellence focused on servicing the market development-related needs of small business, through a series of local and international specialist forums.

Farmers' markets, modelled on the Farmleigh experience, will be rolled out in co-operation with the Office of Public Works.