Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which Irish poultry exports have developed in each of the past five years and to date in 2012; the prospects for the future at EU and worldwide levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7460/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The following table sets out the value and volume of Irish poultry meat exports since 2007. Great Britain and Northern Ireland account for the majority of trade although the proportion destined for these markets has declined. France is the largest Continental EU market while internationally China has become increasingly important in recent years.

An ongoing competitive marketplace limited any potential for poultry price increases during 2011 although strong export volumes helped result in the value of Irish poultry exports rising by 3% to reach an estimated €210 million. The Irish poultry meat sector is very small and as the industry is one which has a high degree of vertical integration it is difficult for Irish companies to break into new markets. EU production is forecast to decline marginally during 2012.