Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
335. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to promote and support the Irish dairy sector at home and at EU level with a view to ensuring adequate supplies for the home market as well as exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18885/23]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the latest Global Food Security Index released last September.
The Irish agrifood sector is globally orientated, with approximately 90% of Irish beef, sheepmeat and dairy produce exported each year. Currently Ireland produces significantly more food than we consume.
The EU communication "Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems” sets out actions in the three areas of security, stability, and sustainability. The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers, of which I am a member, will continue to focus on these core areas and to support the work of the recently established European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM).
Specifically in relation to the supply of dairy, I note that the Dairy Industry is one of our largest and most profitable sectors. Irish Dairy exports exceeded the €7 billion euro mark last year, making it the largest food and drink export category. Last year, we exported over 1.6 million tonnes of dairy products to over 130 different countries around the globe. We ship over 85% of our dairy products to the EU and beyond. My Department continues to engage intensively with competent authorities overseas, our Embassy network, Bord Bia and industry, to ensure as many markets as possible are available for a broad and balanced range of dairy products.
For such an export orientated sector, Ministerial led trade missions to our priority markets are a key part of our market access and diversification strategy. These overseas missions allow me to meet key decision-makers on market access requests, to strengthen commercial relationships with industry customers, and to bolster Ireland’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high quality, safe and sustainable dairy products. I look forward to working with my Department and Bord Bia on further trade mission activity this year.
