Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the request for equine welfare officers in local authorities. My Lovely Horse Rescue does extraordinary work in Clondalkin with horses which have been badly mistreated. The volunteer work would be greatly helped if local authorities, like South Dublin County Council, had equine welfare officers.

Irish food and drinks companies have always had an exceptional reputation at home and abroad. This reputation is built on the standard of their products and the strength of their brands. Every year, these businesses bring much-needed enterprise to our shores. In 2020 alone exports of Irish food and drink were valued at €13 billion to our economy. However, despite the incredible efforts in the face of unprecedented challenges, this industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and the commercial pressures imposed by Covid-19. Most notably, food and drinks companies rely heavily on brand ambassadors to engage in brand promotion. This strengthens relationships with business customers, something that is particularly pertinent in supporting market diversification in our post-Brexit economy.

Previously, the semi-state organisation, Bord Bia, provided funding support to food and drinks companies to help with these brand ambassador placements, but unfortunately this funding was withdrawn some years ago. Once foreign travel is permitted again, these brand ambassador placements will be essential for rebuilding Irish brand reputations, renewing business relationships and bringing much-needed economic investment back to Ireland. Will the Minister consider reinstating this funding as an emergency covid measure to allow food and drinks companies to employ ambassadors directly in key export markets once it is safe to do so again?

See this speech in context