Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the break-up of Glanbia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16919/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I have no role in the commercial operations of dairy companies. My objective is to ensure a policy framework which will facilitate the dairy industry, as a key part of the agri-food sector, to reach its full potential and to maximise the return from the marketplace on the basis of competitive, innovative and sustainable production of quality products. In this context I expect to have a report by June from the 2020 Strategy Committee setting out strategies for the development of the agri-food sector. This will build on the actions taken by Government under the AgriVision 2015 Plan.

As part of this plan, my Department provided funding of €114 million towards investment in dairy processing, which will generate an estimated capital spend of €286 million at full production. By stimulating necessary investment in the sector the Fund will help ensure the long-term competitiveness of the dairy industry in Ireland. In addition, various initiatives at producer level were taken in relation to the operation of the milk quota regime to improve efficiency of production. Furthermore, the Dairy Efficiency Programme and the investment support scheme for young dairy farmers have been put in place to improve efficiency on dairy farms. Ultimately of course it is a matter for the dairy industry itself to decide on restructuring and rationalisation at processor level having regard to the future evolution of supply and demand. As the deputy will be aware, over the past year or so the industry has engaged in ongoing and wide ranging consultation with a view to restructuring milk processing in Ireland.