Vol. 508 No. 4
155 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the large scale importation of food produce; the steps, if any, he is taking to have some or all of these products replaced by home produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19114/99]
The enforced replacement of imported food products with home produced products is a concept which is completely contrary to the principles of the Single Market and one which would not be at all in our best interests. The free movement of goods within the Single Market and the increased trade liberalisation which has taken place at international level is very much to the advantage of the Irish food industry. The proof of this is that in 1998 the value of our food exports, at just over £5 billion was more than double that of our imports.
The food industry development group which reported earlier this year identified competitiveness as the key factor which would influence the industry's ability to sustain and increase its share of both domestic and export markets. The group also made a number of recommendations as to how the industry's competitiveness might be improved. These will form the basis of the future development programme for the industry which is being drawn up as part of the National Development Plan.
