Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the volume of food imports from the United Kingdom in 2009 and 2010; the action he is taking on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7936/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In 2009, Ireland imported 2.4 million tonnes of agri-food products from the UK, with a value of €2.7 billion. Ireland's agri-food exports to the UK amounted to 2.5 million tonnes, with a value of €3.7 billion (source: CSO trade statistics). In 2010, Ireland imported 2.5 million tonnes of agri-food products from the UK, with a value of €2.7 billion. Ireland's agri-food exports to the UK amounted to 2.5 million tonnes, with a value of €3.8 billion (source: CSO trade statistics).

The food industry has a huge export orientation with exports currently worth over €7.8 billion (source: Bord Bia). Over the past decade, the Irish agri-food, forestry and fisheries sector has competed successfully on the world stage and has demonstrated its capacity to perform as a major player in the global food and drink market. Currently, Irish food and drink produce is exported to more than 160 countries. The Irish food industry benefits greatly from free trade with other EU Member States, and with the UK in particular. The UK remains the largest export destination for the Irish food industry, accounting for 44% of agri-food exports in 2010 (source: Bord Bia).