John Ellis (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for investment in research and development in the agriculture and food sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3689/07]

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the enhancement of research and development within the agri-food sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3558/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 184 together.

Research and Development are central to the future well being of the agri-food sector and I am committed to ensuring that the sector remains part of the Knowledge Economy. In line with the national "Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation 2006-2013" and my Department's Agri-Vision 2015 Plan of Action, the National Development Plan 2007-2013 commits €641m to Agri-Food Research. This funding will provide scientific support to the sector and will assist the generation of new knowledge and technologies that are critical to the growth of a competitive, market-orientated and sustainable industry.

The Agri Vision 2015 Action Plan identified the need for research in sustainable agricultural production, research in food quality, safety and nutrition, especially food for health and well-being, research on product innovation as well as research on forestry and on the rural economy. The priority is to ensure that the whole industry will operate to the highest standards, built on a strong foundation of modern scientific knowledge, skills and innovative practices so that it remains competitive in the global marketplace.

Under the new NDP my Department will continue to operate its competitive research programmes in sustainable agriculture, food and forestry, including development of non-food crops such as bio-fuels. These programmes provide funding on a competitive basis to researchers in Teagasc, the Universities and the Institutes of Technology for public good research projects, the themes of which are decided in consultation with all stakeholders. These measures are operated in a coherent way with linked programmes in other Departments. In addition, the Teagasc R&D programme will continue to be a priority for my Department.

The programmes are targeted at increasing collaboration and capabilities and also towards building research teams who will be capable of competing for EU 7th Framework Funding. Indeed, the recently launched 7th EU Framework for Research and Technological Development offers significant opportunities for Agri-Food, Forestry and Fisheries researchers in Ireland. My Department has the support structures in place to ensure that Irish researchers build on our excellent performance in FP6.