Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to increase the promotional budget for marketing and promotion of sheep meat from its current annual level of €800,000 both at home and in strategic EU growth areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16424/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Bord Bia is the state body with responsibility for food promotion and its current budget for the promotion of sheepmeat is in excess of €1m per annum. The main areas of expenditure are the direct promotion to consumers in both Ireland and France, the key markets for sheepmeat. This involves a mix of both media advertising and retail promotions in both countries.

A Sheep industry strategy group was established in December 2005 under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, to examine all aspects of the sheepmeat sector, including product development for different markets and consumer preferences. All sectors are represented in the group including the processors, producers, Teagasc, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and my Department.

I expect the final report of the group to be delivered soon and to include recommendations on the promotion of sheepmeat into the future.

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 403: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to encourage research and development into sheep meat product development, with particular emphasis on the convenience aspect with a view to popularising sheep meat among younger consumers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16425/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Bord Bia, the state body with responsibility for food promotion, is engaged in promotions on the home market which are specifically focused on popularising sheepmeat among young consumers. Their activities include demonstrations as part of an education programme in second level schools and involve a variety of quick and easy lamb dishes.

A Sheep industry strategy group was established in December 2005 under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, to examine all aspects of the sheepmeat sector, including product development for different markets and consumer preferences. All sectors are represented in the group including the processors, producers, Teagasc, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and my Department.

I expect the final report of the group to be delivered soon and to include recommendations on the promotion of sheepmeat into the future.