Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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258. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of link-up between Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia in relation to clients who could be assisted by both organisations; if he will identify where the lines are drawn between these two organisations in relation to assisting companies that are exporting abroad; the arrangements in place to share information in respect of clients to further assist Irish exporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5423/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The work of both Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia organisations in relation to agri food is consistent with the over arching Food Wise strategy for the development of the agri food sector. Their Chief Executive Officers are members of the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee, which is chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Enterprise Ireland is responsible for the development and growth of Irish companies in world markets. It works in partnership with these companies to help them start, grow, innovate, be competitive, including through the provision of grants, and the provision of business and management advice. Bord Bia’s focus is on the development of markets for Irish food and livestock and for promotion of Irish food and drink at home and around the world.

In line with the FoodWise 2025 strategy, Enterprise Ireland is committed to working with food and drink companies to help them scale, be competitive and innovative, and to create sustainable jobs across every region in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland has resources in over 30 international locations, facilitating access to more than 60 countries worldwide.

Bord Bia’s recently published strategy, Making a World of Difference, focuses on market and consumer insight, the development of people, building new routes to market, the Origin Green programme – a world first - and promoting and communicating in the digital age.

Bord Bia operates from overseas offices in Amsterdam, Dubai, Dusseldorf, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, New York, Paris, Shanghai and Stockholm, with new offices due to open shortly in Singapore and Warsaw. Most offices are co-located with the Enterprise Ireland and/or Irish embassy network.

Both agencies work together to support Irish food & drinks companies to grow jobs and exports. Irish food and drink exports have now experienced six consecutive years of growth to reach €10.8 billion in 2015, which is 52% higher and €3.7 billion more than in 2009.

Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia link in multiple ways including the following;

(i)Bord Bia is a member of Enterprise Ireland’s Capital Investment Initiative Committee and R&D Committee.

(ii) Bord Bia assists Enterprise Ireland with commercial due diligence on proposed investment cases.

(iii) The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has led a number of overseas trade missions involving both agencies, who frequently work together in planning and executing overseas activities and events

(iv) The FoodWorks programme developed by Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc provides intensive support for food & drink entrepreneurs. The 4^thFoodWorks programme was recently launched and is currently sourcing applicants.

Bord Bia supports companies to undertake market research, provides market and consumer insights to the sector and supports food & drink companies to attend trade events. Enterprise Ireland’s overseas offices may assist food & drink clients in regions and in partnership with Bord Bia where Bord Bia does not have an office/resource in place. Client related information is shared provided the client company gives its permission for this.