Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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163. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which poultry production continues and is likely to do so notwithstanding global market interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41720/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The poultry sector plays a very important role within the Irish agri-food sector, supporting approximately 6,000 jobs, mainly in rural areas.

Irish poultry production reached record highs in 2017, with 95.5m birds slaughtered in export-approved plants. This represented an increase of 3.9% compared to 2016, with most of the increase evident in broiler and duck production.

To the end of September 2018, Irish poultry production has continued to rise, increasing by 1.8m birds, or 2.6% compared to last year. It is expected that total production for the year will come in at just under 100m birds.

The value of Irish poultry exports in 2017 increased by 3% to an estimated €278million (CSO trade data), with the United Kingdom accounting for some 80% of this figure in value terms. Other EU markets now account for almost 10% of Irish exports, with France leading the way. Growth has also been evident in trade with Scandinavia and Spain. Exports to third country markets now amounts to 10% of export totals, with South Africa showing the biggest growth for Irish exporters.