187 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the recommendations, if any, from the report of the Poultry Industry Forum, March 1996, which have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5259/97]

As I indicated last May in welcoming the report of the Poultry Industry Forum, it contains 41 recommendations in all which have been grouped in six main headings: cost reduction-competitiveness, health status, quality assurance-regulatory authority, marketing, innovation, and research, development and training.

The Department and the State agencies, An Bord Bia, Forbairt and Teagasc, have been following up on the recommendations specifically addressed to them.

I indicated at the time of publication that many of the issues identified require a degree of coordination and co-operation within the industry. For that reason I offered the Department as a facilitator for a discussion group. That invitation still stands.