Jimmy Devins (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the main areas being targeted under the food institutional research programme. [14140/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The food institutional research measure, FIRM, is a public good research programme in the food sector. The main objectives of the programme are to provide a base of information and expertise in generic technologies that supports innovation and product development in the food industry, and assists in assuring consumer protection by ensuring that product development is underpinned by attention to food safety and quality issues. The research is carried out at suitable institutions that can demonstrate the necessary research capabilities, including universities, institutes of technology and Teagasc food centres.

The areas targeted under the programme include: development of technologies to build a more competitive, innovative, consumer-focused and sustainable food production and marketing sector; development of the scientific knowledge to underpin effective food safety practices at all stages in the food chain; consumer foods technology; innovation in functional foods; cheese diversification; production of new food ingredients; nutrition; and new technologies for added-value meat products.

The FIRM programme has contributed to the formation of recognised centres of excellence in food research in Ireland. A number of research teams have been created at the various institutions and the capability and critical mass that has been developed, together with the associated knowledge base, represents a major resource for industry. In addition, the public good food research programmes have been instrumental in the development of a number of food products which contribute to the health and nutritional intake of the consumer. The outcomes of the research are disseminated widely for the benefit of the industry as a whole.

Progress under the measure has been very satisfactory with 110 projects awarded funding following general calls in 2000 and 2004 and a targeted call in 2001. A further targeted call issued at the end of March 2005 inviting proposals under the food safety and beverages themes.

The following table shows awards and expenditure under the various research areas to date.

Notification of awards in respect of a further eight projects with indicative funding of €3.6 million issued in 2005. Three other projects with indicative funding of €2 million have received preliminary approval and these are currently being finalised.