Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
373. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which Irish beef, lamb and dairy products can get to European and other further afield markets notwithstanding Brexit and Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51918/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am encouraged that the latest trade statistics for 2021 have seen Irish agri-food exports grow in value despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 and Brexit.
For the first seven months of 2021, exports have increased in value terms by €533 million, or 5.8%, on the same period in 2020, and by €199 million, or 2.1%, on the same period in 2019. This is a clear demonstration of the resilience of the Irish beef, lamb and dairy sectors, and of the fact that these products are still reaching markets in the EU and further afield.
It is clear, however, that Brexit presents big challenges for Irish exporters, including in the way the land-bridge across GB to Europe operates. In response to uncertainty about the operation of the landbridge, it has been positive that capacity on the direct shipping routes from Ireland to Europe has increased significantly. This direct connectivity is vital, and has supported Irish exporters in accessing our key European markets and avoiding the uncertainty of delays and disruption to trade being experienced in GB.
At a broader level, the Department continues to have a strong focus on developing new trade opportunities for Irish food exporters. This commitment has seen the Government significantly increase funding for Bord Bia in recent budgets, which has been targeted at supporting market growth and diversification efforts in EU and third country markets.
