Bernard J. Durkan
Question:99 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which poultry imports into this country have displaced national production; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24837/04]
View answerWednesday, 13 October 2004
Questions (98)
Written answers
The poultry and eggs sector is an important part of the overall agrifood industry, with a farm gate value of €150 million in 2003. A total of 66 million chickens and 10 million birds of other species were slaughtered here last year. The level of poultry production has held steady in recent years but the quantities being imported have increased.
In 2003, 55,000 tonnes of poultry meat, valued at €192 million, were imported while 87,000 tonnes, to the value of €244 million, were exported. These quantities include prepared poultry products as well as all fresh and frozen poultry meat.