Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the likely prospects in respect of exports from the food and beverage sector for the remainder of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31554/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The food and beverage sectors operate in a global marketplace where volatility has become more prevalent in recent years. Over the last two years, the value of Irish food and drink exports has increased by €1.8 billion or 25%, according to Bord Bia due to high global market prices and also increased demand both in previously existing and in new markets.

Factors influencing exports from Ireland include currency exchange rates for the Euro against sterling and the US dollar, availability of credit and increases in supply or demand in key production regions. Global prices have reduced in 2012 for some commodities, including milk powder and some cereals. In addition, economic challenges is some of our key export markets may lead to reduced demand for Irish produce over the year as a whole. However, beef is performing well, the dairy sector is actively pursuing new markets and the drinks sector is maintaining its previous success. Overall, while recognising the challenging global market conditions, I am hopeful that our agri-food exports in 2012 will once gain perform strongly.