Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:282 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the total value of food exports for each year from 1985 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Food Exports.
The value of food exports for the years 1985 to 1991 as published by the Central Statistics Office is as follows:
|
Year |
1985 |
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
1989 |
1990 |
1991 (est) |
|
£ Million |
2,402 |
2,387 |
2,882 |
3,122 |
3,475 |
3,157 |
3,357 |
The figure for 1991 is a preliminary estimate.
The food sector, the raw materials for which are largely sourced in Ireland, now accounts for some 20 per cent of total exports. In spite of the depressed markets for the major agricultural commodities which obtained in 1990 and 1991 the sector, with a positive annual trade balance of some £2 billion, continues to contribute very significantly to the country's foreign exchange earnings.