Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Globally, a third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. The EPA estimates that, in Ireland, we waste approximately 750,000 tonnes of food each year. According to its 2021 research, most of that wastage occurred at the manufacturing and processing stage, representing 29%, and at the household stage, another 29%, with 25% of waste generated by restaurants and the food service industry.

I welcome the Minister’s comments about what has been launched, but where household waste is concerned, I am a firm believer in communicating information, working with various areas and educating people about what is happening. Incentives are also important in this regard.

Food waste is becoming a significant issue globally. Its impact on the environment is also a concern. The EPA estimates that it accounts for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That is quite worrying.

The Minister spoke about his roadmap and about how he is on track to meet his 2030 targets. I welcome that.

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