Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2017
517. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase food exports to Israel; if he is providing support and information to businesses seeking to gain kosher certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25346/17]
View answerTrade for Ireland is very important given that we are a small open economy. The pursuit and development of new and existing markets such as Israel for Irish agrifood exports is therefore a central component of the strategic development of the agrifood sector, as evidenced by its placement at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more important against the backdrop of the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agrifood sector in particular.
Irish agrifood exports to Israel have already increased in recent years, from €26m in 2014 to €34m in 2016. €27m of this related to dairy products.
The Israeli beef market re-opened for exports from Ireland in 2016. 350 tonnes of beef, to the value of €2.2 million, was exported to Israel in 2016. While my Department is responsible for issuing veterinary health certificates, the issue of Kosher certification and the export of product to any destination is ultimately a commercial matter for the food business operator involved in this transaction.
