Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 124: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to implement the Prospectus Report on Dairy Farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24622/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A strategic study of the Irish Dairy Industry, now known as the Prospectus Report, was commissioned by my Department in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and the dairy industry itself and published in 2003. The Report made very clear recommendations on the response required from the dairy industry to meet international competitive challenges as well as the change in emphasis from market support to direct income support. The focus has to be firmly on increased efficiency and competitiveness at all levels of the industry.

The commissioning and carrying out of this study was and could only be, an initial step. Response at individual company level to the issues raised by Prospectus is a matter for decision by the companies themselves. My Department met with Enterprise Ireland, the dairy processors and their representatives with a view to identifying the best way of achieving the objectives set out in the report. I will continue to encourage the Irish dairy industry to implement the recommendations and I will examine all opportunities which would increase the efficiency, competitiveness and market focus of the Irish dairy industry.