Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 188: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of countries and locations he has visited in each of the past three years in the course of promotion of Irish food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45598/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since assuming office in May 2008, I have sought at all appropriate opportunities to raise the profile and secure market opportunities and share for Irish Food and Beverage products on export markets. This has been and will remain a key priority. Trade promotions are a key part of the relationship building process with current and potential customers of Irish food and drink in Ireland's prospective and existing markets.

Ministerial attendance can obviously raise the profile of events and significantly attract key senior decision making buyers and executives. This allows Irish companies to build their relationships with existing customers and forge new relationship to expand Ireland's €7.1 billion export food and drink business. This is precisely the level of contact that our Irish food exporting companies require and appreciate in terms of gaining access or increased market share in key and invaluable EU and 3rd country markets.

Questions Nos. 189 and 190 answered with Question No. 178.