John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the work being undertaken under the food institutional research programme. [34112/05]

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 funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Progress under the measure has been very satisfactory, with 123 projects awarded funding of €55.7 million following general calls in 2000 and 2004 and a targeted call in 2001. More than €36 million has been paid to date to the institutions involved. Awards are currently being finalised in respect of a further 17 projects, with indicative funding of €7.5 million, arising from a targeted call issued earlier this year under the food safety and beverages themes.

The main objectives of the FIRM 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; 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.

This programme has been valuable in assisting public good food research. It provides a platform for the food industry to engage in further research and product development, which is vital in an increasingly competitive and market oriented environment.