Agrifood Sector Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012

Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Questions (381)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

381. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the total amount of revenue the agrifood sector has contributed to the economy here so far this year; if he will quantify this percentage in terms of the overall amount contributed by the Irish manufacturing sector to the economy in 2012; if he will outline the percentage of Irish goods and services constituted by those produced by the agrifood industry; the percentage of exports by indigenous manufacturing industries that are from the agrifood industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55209/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Census of Industrial Production data for the most recent year available (2010) showed that the Gross Output of the Food & Beverages sector was €20.2 billion, representing 23% of all manufacturing output or 21% of all industrial output. Furthermore, the output of indigineous food and beverage manufacturers accounted for 51% of all indigineous manufacturing output.

The same data set also shows that exports from indigineous food and beverage manufacturers also accounted for 51% of exports from all Irish manufacturers.

Although the corresponding figures for 2011 and 2012 will not be released for some time the increase in food exports over the last two years, which was put at 25% or close to €2bn, and a consolidation of that position this year could be expected to be reflect positively when they are published.