Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the Minister within his Department who now has distinct responsibility for food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16891/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, I have full ministerial responsibility for all of the Department's activities, including responsibility for Food. I am assisted by two Ministers of State, both of whom have specific special responsibilities. Deputy Sean Connick has Minister of State responsibilities for Fisheries and Forestry and Deputy Ciaran Cuffe has Minister of State responsibilities for Horticulture and Organics.

The manufacture of food and drink products is our main indigenous industry, with 800 companies employing over 45,000 people and producing over a third of our net export earnings from primary and manufacturing sectors and the Government is committed to ensuring that the agri-food sector is fully positioned to exploit future opportunities to the full. A 2020 Committee (a group of high level players from the sector, including farmers, primary processors, food and drink product manufactures) is currently preparing a draft strategy for the medium-term development of the agri-food (including drinks) fisheries and forestry sector for the period to 2020. The strategy will outline the key actions needed to ensure that the sector contributes to the maximum possible extent to our export-led economic recovery and the full development of the smart economy. The 2020 Committee is due to report in June.