Donie Cassidy (Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the level of proposed expenditure by her Department under the heading of research and training in 2006. [38305/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The allocation proposed for research and training under subhead B of my Department's Vote for 2006 is €27.7 million. This compares with the expected outturn of just over €26 million in 2005 and an outturn of €21.2 million in 2004. In addition to the funding provided for research and training under subhead B, my Department also provides substantial annual grant-in-aid to Teagasc for its programme of activities, including research and training. For 2006, the Teagasc annual grant-in-aid will be €121 million compared to €111.4 million in 2005.

I regard research and training as essential for the continued improvement of quality, productivity, efficiency and innovation in the agri-food sector. I would encourage operators at all levels in the sector to regard research and training as an investment in their future viability and profitability, and to avail of the facilities and funding available to assist them in remaining competitive into the future.