114 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of task forces or special committees set up in his Department since 1997; the date they were established; the terms of reference of each; if they have reported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24487/01]

The details requested by the Deputy are outlined in the following Schedule:

SCHEDULE

1. Food Industry Development Group

This was established in April 1998 for the purposes of identifying priorities, defining support requirements and formulating an action plan for the food industry in the context of a strategic approach to the future use of national and structural funds. The group published its report in December 1998.