Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure the full potential of each of the fisheries harbours to be a unique and internationally recognised brand by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, working with the fishermans' co-operatives, developing branded seafood products from those ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18276/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Significant progress has been made in delivering on this commitment in the Programme for Government.

BIM have assisted in the strategy whereby four of the main Fishing Co-operatives (Foyle, Clogherhead, Galway & Aran and Union Hall) joined forces, under a single brand name called "Passion on a Plate". These co-operatives are also working on taking a consumer brand, called Cashelmara, to the food service and retail market. The Cashelmara brand builds on the unique provenance of Irish seafood with specific branded products from Malin Head, Greencastle, Galway, West Cork and Clogherhead.

BIM have and continue to be involved in the process of developing quality schemes for products and encouraging the co-operation among industry partners. The BIM stand at the Brussels seafood show in April provided the opportunity for these co-operatives to meet buyers from all key international markets. The reaction from these buyers was, from initial feedback, extremely encouraging.