Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 137: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of expenditure on agrifood research; the bodies that are in receipt of such expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10962/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Research institutions that can demonstrate the necessary research capabilities, including Universities, Institutes of Technology, Teagasc and DAFF laboratories are eligible to submit proposals for funding through the competitive public good research programmes operated by my Department i.e. the Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM), the Research Stimulus Fund and the COFORD forestry research programme.

In 2009, expenditure of €15.260 million was incurred through the FIRM and €5.487 million through the Research Stimulus Fund. €4.289 million was provided through COFORD to cover costs associated with forestry research and promotion. A sum of €8.820 million was provided to the Marine Institute under the Marine Research Measure. As regards Teagasc, the total figure for agriculture, forestry and food research expenditure in 2009 was €54.836m. This includes some funding provided under the competitive schemes referred to above.