Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
278. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which imported dairy products appear to be replacing Irish dairy items in shops and supermarkets; whether this is indicative of a phasing out of the dairy sector in this country, which would have a disastrous effect on the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18729/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to Central Statistics Office statistics, there have been only very slight fluctuations in the volume of dairy imports into the country in recent years and there is nothing of noticeable concern. For example the latest CSO statistics for January - February 2024 show that the volume of dairy imports are up 13% on the same period in 2023, but down 8% when compared to the same period in 2022. This represents the normal ebb and flow of trade.
It is clear that dairy imports are only a very small fraction of our exports and that Ireland continues to benefit from both free trade with other EU countries as a member of the EU, and wider global trading relations. The Dairy Sector is an export oriented sector with more than 85% of Irish dairy production exported to the EU and beyond each year to over 140 different markets.
I am confident that the outlook for the Irish dairy industry remains very positive. Irish agriculture and dairy continues to be at the very heart of rural Ireland, both economically and socially. The work and efforts of our dairy farmers keeps our towns, villages and rural areas alive and vibrant, creating employment and continuing with our great agricultural tradition. As Minister I am committed to supporting their development as can be seen by the range of schemes I have introduced in recent years to help our dairy farmers develop their enterprise. At the other end of the production cycle, I have led Ministerial trade missions all around the world together with my Ministerial colleagues in the Department to promote opportunities for our agri-food sector including of course dairy.
Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks 2nd of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the 2022 Global Food Security Index. We ranked 4th in affordability and 15th in food availability. Ireland is part of the EU single market and participates in the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe.
