Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 421: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Irish suppliers of meat, dairy and other food products are given an equal opportunity to tender to supply the major food chains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25003/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Total output of the food industry is valued at €15 billion, of which exports account for €7 billion. Ireland is an open economy and I fully believe that the future of Irish food producers and the industry lies in access to all markets, at home and abroad, and an emphasis by all players on competitiveness, innovation and understanding of market trends. My strategy and that of the State agencies is to underpin the ongoing success of the food sector by facilitating the industry to maintain competitiveness and capacity to meet the demands of the market in terms of quality, convenience, price and product specification. Statutory responsibility for instituting action in relation to any possible lack of access or unequal opportunity on the domestic market rests with the Competition Authority to whom any evidence of untoward trading should be addressed. The mission of my Department is to lead the sustainable development of a competitive, consumer focused agri-food sector and to contribute to a vibrant rural economy and society.

Agri-Vision 2015 is a comprehensive action plan for the future of the agri-food sector. Built on the three pillars of competitiveness, innovation and consumer focus, the plan sets out a new vision for the future of the sector in the light of new changes impacting on it such as the change to a decoupled payments regime, a more liberalised trade policy, changes in lifestyle, the clear emergence of technology and research and development as significant market drivers and major changes in the structures of farming and retailing. There are also many actions to be taken in the other areas such as small-scale enterprises, horticulture and the organic sector, forestry, renewable energy and rural development. The plan contains 166 specific actions under a series of headings to be implemented in the near future with the objective of ensuring that the Irish agri-food sector compares to the best in the EU and in the world in terms of knowledge base, competitiveness, innovation and marketing.