Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the threat to staple fruit and vegetable crops here due to climate change which is going to cause major changes in farming practices; the plans she is making to plan for future food shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30090/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department monitors ongoing research on climate change and its likely impact on Irish Agriculture. It is represented on the inter-Departmental team established to oversee implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy.

There is no evidence at this time to suggest that there is likely to be any major threat to our staple fruit and vegetable crops due to major changes in farming practices as a result of climate change. Indeed the impact on horticulture crops in Ireland is generally likely to be positive in the short to medium term. Accordingly there is not a need at this point in time to plan for food shortages in Ireland.