Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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371. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being put in place to support the food production industry as it struggles to maintain and recruit staff while Covid-19 measures and supports for employees remain in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35114/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The delivery of essential services to farmers, fishers and the food & forestry sectors is being prioritised by the Department and its agencies throughout the course of the pandemic. The necessary steps have been taken to ensure that producers and processors can continue to operate effectively and keep supply lines open.

As the Deputy is aware, the Government has put in place a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to assist businesses, employers and employees across all sectors, including food production and processing, to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department and I have had regular contact with stakeholders across the sector and will continue to monitor the effects on the sector and provide appropriate support as necessary.

The agri-food sector faced many challenges on the domestic and international front arising from the pandemic. Despite this, the sector has proven to be very resilient. Production has been relatively unaffected. After an initial decrease in farm gate prices, they have stabilised and recovered across most sectors. Agri-food exports for 2020 are estimated at €14.2 billion, down marginally from €14.5 billion in 2019.

This is a remarkable achievement considering the challenges food and drink producers have faced, including the complete shutdown of food services in many of Ireland’s export markets across the globe. In addition, the pandemic has raised awareness of those working in the food and drink sector and emphasised their very significant contribution to our daily lives.