Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As this is my first contribution in the Chamber, I thank the people of Dublin Fingal West for placing their confidence in me. I am determined to justify that confidence and will work hard every day to deliver for all of us who live and work in the vibrant constituency of Dublin Fingal West. I also thank my family for their support and encouraging me to actively participate in politics. My dad, John Boland, taught me the importance of public service and that politics is a worthy profession. My mum, Kay, too often does not get the credit for the role she has played in my journey to this Chamber. To my husband Ruaidhri, my daughters Kaya and Millie and to my campaign team supporters and friends who all played a part in my becoming a proud Member of the Thirty-fourth Dáil, from the bottom of my heart I say "Thank you".

I am very grateful for this opportunity to make a statement today on the agrifood sector in Ireland, given that Dublin Fingal produces 55% of all fresh fruit and vegetables in Ireland. I emphasise the crucial role of the agrifood sector in Dublin Fingal West. Fingal west, with its fertile lands and proximity to both urban and rural areas, is uniquely positioned as a powerhouse in Ireland's agrifood industry and is the market garden of Ireland. Sometimes, people do not realise there is a thriving agrifood sector in Dublin, much of which is located in my constituency of Fingal west. This sector is integral to the growth and sustainability of our towns and villages, not only in Rush, Garristown, Oldtown and beyond, but to Ireland as a whole and to the Irish economy.

The agrifood business is a cornerstone of our local economy, providing employment to over 170,000 people in Ireland, particularly in rural areas where alternative job opportunities may be limited. It helps to sustain local economies and communities and by continuing to support agrifood businesses, as I know this Government will, we ensure these businesses thrive and our local economy remains robust. Moreover, the agrifood sector in Dublin Fingal as a whole is a key driver of innovation and sustainability. We must continue to support our local farmers and agribusinesses in order that they are at the forefront of developing new, sustainable agricultural practices that reduce impacts on the environment while maintaining high productivity.

This commitment to sustainability will not only preserve our natural resources but also will ensure future generations can continue to benefit from our rich agricultural heritage. I am confident the Government, the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Grealish and Michael Healy-Rae, will continue to support the agrifood businesses by continuing to listen to them and to listen to our farmers, our growers and to provide them with practical Government supports. Our agrifood industry plays a vital role in food security and quality. Local production means we have access to fresh, high quality food in our country and by supporting our local agrifood businesses, we are ensuring our food supply chain remains resilient.

As Deputy Ward mentioned, we have a reputation for very high quality food products in Ireland. It is known worldwide. The agrifood sector will sustain this reputation and we will continue to see it grow. As long as we continue to support the sector, it will continue to be an important part of the Irish economy. Furthermore, the cultural significance of the agrifood sector cannot be understated. It connects us to our traditions and heritage, fostering a sense of community and belonging, one of which we are very proud in Dublin Fingal West. Farm shops, farmers' markets, food festivals and farm-to-table initiatives are just a few examples of how the agrifood industry enriches our cultural landscape and brings people together.

I wish the Minister, Deputy Heydon, well on his appointment as Minister for agriculture and thank him for his recent support in respect of announcements for the tillage sector and for reopening the investment aid scheme to support growers whose farms were affected by the recent storm damage. The Minister, Deputy Heydon, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Michael Healy-Rae and Grealish, are committed to supporting our farmers, growers and agribusinesses and the Government will continue to support and invest in this vital sector. In doing so, we will not only be securing our present but also sowing the seeds for a prosperous and sustainable future. I look forward to working with the Minister and Ministers of State to support our farmers and I take this opportunity to invite them out to Fingal west.

See this speech in context