John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 602: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [22574/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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There are ten agencies under the remit of my Department. They are as follows:

Bord Bia is the state agency with responsibility for trade development, information and promotion of Irish food, drink and horticulture. Its mission is to deliver effective and innovative market development, promotion and information services to assist companies grow and win new business.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is the state agency with primary responsibility for the sustainable development of the Irish seafish and aquaculture industry, and the diversification of the coastal economy so as to enhance the employment, income and welfare of people in coastal regions and their contribution to the national economy.

COFORD, the national council for forestry research and development is a non-statutory agency whose remit is to fund and co-ordinate research and development projects with the aim of developing the forestry industry through technical innovation and good silvicultural practice.

Coillte Teoranta is a state company, which operates in forestry and related activities on a commercial basis. The company is co-owned by the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Irish National Stud Company Ltd keeps a range of top class stallions with a view to making quality bloodlines available to the thoroughbred horse industry in Ireland. It also trains people for employment in the bloodstock sector.

The Marine Institute supports existing marine research, technology, development and innovation activity. It also aims to underpin future innovation and growth in the marine sector.

The National Milk Agency regulates, on a national basis, the supply of milk for liquid consumption. This agency is responsible for the registration of suppliers and pasteurizers of drinking milk and the supply contracts made between them with the purpose of ensuring a reliable year round supply of drinking milk to the consumer.

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of National and EU Regulations on sea fisheries protection and seafood safety. Its Officers work closely with other government agencies such as the Naval Service, Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Marine Institute in the implementation of fisheries control and seafood safety programmes.

Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, is the national body with responsibility for providing research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities.

The Veterinary Council of Ireland regulates the practice of veterinary medicine by veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses. The Council membership reflects interests such as education, animal welfare, consumers and food safety and a balance between veterinarians and others.