Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the 2012 targets set for his Department for implementation of the Jobs Action Plan; if he will report on the attainment or otherwise of these targets; the reason targets were not met; the steps he is taking within his Department to create new jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1275/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The 2012 Action Plan for Jobs included 17 Action which have specific reference to the agri-food and fisheries sectors. Section 7.4- Agri-food Production, pages 82-86 of attached link sets out these actions in full detail:

With the exception of one area, all of these targets set were met, or are being met on an ongoing basis. The target date of end December 2012 for the determination of the deep-sea organic salmon aquaculture licence, action 7.4.8, was not achieved. This application is still under active consideration and the decision will be made when the analysis is completed on the large number of submissions/objections which were received on foot of the statutory public consultation which ended on 13 December last.

My Department has completed its submission to Government on proposed actions to be taken in 2013 by this organisation and relevant state bodies to confront the current employment situation. However, the Deputy will be aware that is primarily the private sector which creates jobs and the function of Government is primarily aimed at improving competitiveness and stimulating investment.