Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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1356. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific targets set for agencies under his auspices in view of recent comments by the Taoiseach to double the Team Ireland footprint overseas by 2025. [38466/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, my Department and its agencies already have a strong global footprint which is primarily aimed at facilitating growth in the trade of agri-food products with countries around the world.

For example, my Department maintains a network of agriculture attache's both within the EU, but also increasingly in countries with whom we are seeking to further develop our trading links, such as the United States of America, the Gulf Region and China. We also work closely with Bord Bia in developing international markets through its network of offices around the world, which it has recently expanded to include a presence in Singapore and in Warsaw. We work very effectively together, and with the relevant authorities, in progressing market access issues and in the organisation of Trade Missions aimed at promoting and supporting the export of Irish agri-food products. Food Wise 2025, which outlines a vision for the development of the agri food sector, proposes increasing the value of exports in these sectors to 19 billion by 2025.

This is an ongoing process, made all the more relevant by the new challenges that the UK decision to leave the EU has created. Accordingly, I and my Department keep our international presence and activities under constant review with a view to maximising their contribution to the development of the Irish agri-food sector.

I therefore look forward to working closely with the Taoiseach and my Government colleagues in developing plans to double Ireland's footprint overseas, and to availing of this opportunity to make our work in this area more effective.