Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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92. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to evaluate the poultry sector, with particular reference to the extent to which the quality and reliability of production is emphasised, and can remain competitive on international markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34846/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The poultry sector plays an important role within the Irish agricultural economy, accounting for approximately 2% of gross agricultural output. The poultry sector supports around 5,000 jobs, most of these in rural areas. The value of primary output for the total poultry sector stood at approximately €186 million in 2014. Given that the forecast for consumer demand remains somewhat stable, estimates for 2015 stand at €186 million. Export values have increased steadily over the last few years to c. €310 million in 2014, growing by 20% alone in the last year as the value of trade was driven by increased shipments of processed products. Strong fundamentals supported demand in almost all regions of the world in 2014 and this is expected to continue in 2015, although some easing in global poultry prices is expected. Irish production is forecast to remain stable during 2015 as EU and international production is estimated to increase marginally. Poultry is normally reared under contract to processors for a pre-agreed price, which underpins a level of continuity in the supply chain, however, the impact of cereal price changes may influence output decisions by producers as the year progresses.

The poultry sector remains very competitive, and given that Ireland is over 100% self-sufficient in poultry meat and 85% self-sufficient in egg production it is important to have the edge provided by Bord Bia`s Quality Assurance Scheme. This is an integrated scheme involving the producer and the processing plant working in partnership to provide the customer with quality assured product.With almost 96% of all poultry and egg producer members of the Scheme, a strong and resilient home market is critically important for the success of the industry. In the current economic climate consumers regard poultry as a value-for-money food and the inherent added value this Scheme gives to the product does not escape the consumer.

The new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (RDP) is a key support in enhancing the competitiveness of the agrifood sector, achieving more sustainable management of natural resources and ensuring a more balanced development of rural areas. In relation to the poultry sector, the main areas for support in the RDP includes:

- Significant support for on-farm capital investment under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme II (TAMS II) scheme;

- Knowledge transfer and innovation measures, aimed at underpinning farm viability, sustainability and growth through the adoption of best practice and innovative solutions, and TAMS II entails financial support to a number of key areas within agriculture, including the poultry sector. Under TAMS II, energy investments, water meters and medicine dispensers are envisaged for the poultry sector. Support for Knowledge Transfer Groups also covers a number of sectors, including the poultry sector. These groups will cover issues such as financial/risk management, animal health and welfare, breed improvement, environmental protection, climate change and innovation and their operation will largely mirror existing templates already in operation in the beef and sheep sectors. The poultry sector, amongst other sectors, may also avail of support under the Targeted Animal Health and Welfare Advisory Measure.