Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputies referred to import figures for beef. On a point of information, the CSO recently corrected its trade data for beef imports in 2022 and 2023. The correct figures are that we imported almost 37,000 tonnes of beef in 2022, compared with Irish exports of 492,000 tonnes of beef last year. To the end of April this year, we imported 11,000 tonnes of beef, compared with exports of 154,000 tonnes in the same period.

When discussing imports, we should always bear in mind that Ireland is an export-focused economy with a small domestic market exporting 90% of the food we produce. We benefit hugely from being part of the Single Market and from international trade. Today is another important opportunity for us here in the House to outline to farmers, to the overall sector and to all stakeholders our commitment to the agrifood sector. The Minister, Deputy McConalogue, set out Government's position on the substantive points brought forward in the motion. The Food Vision strategy identifies a significant opportunity for Ireland to position itself as a world leader in sustainable food systems, and ensure a balance between the three legs of the sustainability stool, namely, social, environmental, and economic concerns, at the core of Government's Food Vision strategy. Farmers, fishers and food producers must be competitive and productive with enhanced well-being and economic sustainability if they are to deliver on any of the overall objectives.

The significant financial resources committed by this Government, as outlined by the Minister this morning, underline Government's commitment to the sector to do what we do best, that is, produce food that is safe nutritious and appealing, which is trusted and valued at home and abroad. Our farmers and fishers underpin the social and economic sustainability of communities across Ireland. This Government absolutely recognises and values the vital contribution of the agrifood sector to the Irish economy and, in particular, to the rural economy and society. Agriculture continues to be at the very heart of rural Ireland, both economically and socially. Our farmers produce top-quality produce all around the country. Their work and efforts keep our towns, villages, and rural areas alive and vibrant. The agrifood sector is Ireland's largest indigenous exporting industry and plays a vital role in Ireland's economy. The sector accounts for almost 7% of GNI but equally as important are the 165,000 people employed in it, representing close to 7% of our total employment in the country and a far greater proportion in our rural and costal areas where other opportunities are more limited.

As we know, Ireland is an open economy which exports most of its agricultural products. The outward and forward-looking approach has brought huge benefits. In 2022, full year exports were €18.78 billion, an increase of €3.2 billion, or 21%, on 2021. These may seem like abstract figures but they represent real jobs and activity in our rural towns and villages. Ireland is a global leader in terms of the safe sustainability and traceability of our dairy and meat production, which has a justified and hard-earned reputation for quality. Food Vision looks to protect and build on Ireland's global reputation as a trusted supplier of high quality, safe and sustainable food. It will provide the basis for future competitive advantage of our exports.

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