Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which any evaluation has been done to determine the degree to which minor or major, new or existing food processing enterprises can be encouraged with a view to job creation, increased exports, import substitution and economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39823/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Food Harvest 2020 report identified opportunities to sustain jobs in food processing and in the primary sector by improving competitiveness, achieving greater scale and innovation. The report concluded that a net gain of 6,500-7,000 jobs in food and aquaculture could be achieved by 2020.

The Government's recently announced Action Plan for Jobs highlighted the agri-food sector as an area that offers significant potential for generating jobs and growth and my Department has identified key actions to enhance the industry's sustainability and capacity in this regard.

In addition, Government Agencies are providing key supports to help food companies, both large and small, to create jobs, supply a quality product and grow businesses. Bord Bia, Teagasc, Enterprise Ireland and agencies at county level are each working towards a common goal of helping companies develop and expand; be it through opening doors in local or exporting markets, providing assistance in research or new product development or by way of providing key funding.

This week, I announced grant awards of approximately €10 million for research projects being undertaken, on a collaborative basis, by researchers from 13 third-level institutions across the island of Ireland. This funding is vital to the future development and growth of the food industry and primary agricultural production which are at present providing a leading example of the success of Irish exports.