Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the impact the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme to abolish Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara would have on the future of the agri-food and fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36196/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and expenditure Programmes is being considered in the context of determining the budgetary framework and in the preparation of the 2010 Estimate for my Department. In that context my deliberations on the 2010 Estimates will, of course, take full account of the effect of the proposals in the report, including those relating to An Bord Bia and BIM, on the agri food and fisheries sector. I can assure the deputy that these deliberations will be informed by a continued commitment to the development of a strong, sustainable, export focused agri food and fisheries sector.