Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of international trade missions he will undertake in the remainder of 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12345/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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At this point in time, my trade related visits planned for this year involve a visit to the UK in June which, as the Deputy will be aware, is one of Ireland's leading export markets for food and beverages. I will meet with my UK counterpart, Ms Caroline Spellman, the Minister for the Environment and two of her junior ministers to discuss trade and other related matters. Events will also be organised around my visit to provide publicity for Irish exports of food and beverages to the UK. In addition, I will visit Paris, in the autumn to take part in the SIAL trade fair. This trade fair is the leader in the global food industry with exhibitors from all over the world, including over 9,300 exhibitors, food manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers and retailers. It is an important event for Irish companies involved in the export of food and beverages and who wish to make contact with key players in the market.