Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which the six day stoppage of all flights into and out of Ireland due to volcanic ash has affected the export of perishable food from this country; the effects which this has had on Irish food producers; the measures which have been put in place to assist those food producers affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16715/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The cancellation of flights following the volcanic eruptions in Iceland has had a low impact on the food industry. Up to 97% of food exports are moved by road and sea. Investment in the road infrastructure in Ireland and frequent sailings means that containers can switch quite easily between ports. Some specialist seafood products are exported by air to Japan, but as this is not the peak season, impact on sales is not expected to be significant.