Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 406: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value, in monetary terms, of foreign fish imported into Ireland in each of the past five years; the value, in monetary terms, of all fish exported from this country in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13891/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The following table provides details of trade figures for fish for the years 2003-2007.

The potential for sales growth and import substitution is most effectively addressed through enhancing the national production and meeting the needs of the market. The report of the Seafood Strategy Review Group Steering a New Course (The Cawley Report) sets down a vision for a sustainable profitable and self-reliant industry that will maximise its long-term contribution to coastal communities. The strategy clearly recognises that the long term vision for the seafood sector must revolve around developing a strong and positive identity for Irish seafood on the domestic market and in key international export markets. This identity will assist in positioning Irish seafood products at the upper end of the industry's targeted market.

To do this we must work aggressively to ensure that Irish seafood is recognised for: excellence in terms of product quality; providing a superior eating experience — due to product freshness facilitated by the frequency of landings; a range of positive environmental traits; and a customer service approach second to none.

The strategy recognises that the industry's approach to the market and its performance within the market place is well below that which exists in other sectors of the Irish food industry. It considers that this gap in performance represents the "industry opportunity". The recommendations of the Strategy across all fronts, marketing, processing, aquaculture and the fleet combined, offers the blue print for change in the industry which I believe will maximise the value of seafood delivering a sustainable, profitable and self-reliant industry.