Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 381: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her strategic short, medium and long-term plans for the agriculture sector. [14592/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I regard short-term plans as those to be completed by year end, medium term strategies as those encompassed by the Department's three year statement of strategy and longer term plans as those relating to the issues set out in the Agri-Vision Report 2015.

I have recently approved a new statement of strategy for the Department of Agriculture and Food for 2005 to 2007, which is expected to be published in May or early June. Sixty-six divisions within the Department have prepared detailed work plans for this year, based on this strategy and the outcome from this work will be presented in the annual report of the Department. The 2004 annual report will be published shortly.

The agri-vision 2015 committee provided a comprehensive analysis of what is required to enable the agri-food sector maintain and improve its competitiveness over the next ten years and contribute to a healthy and vibrant rural economy and environment. The proposals in that report are now being examined and an implementation plan is being prepared.