Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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407. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to maintain and develop food security in Ireland given the impact of the Ukrainian crisis on European food supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13713/22]

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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408. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the response of his Department to the Ukrainian war crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13717/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.

I welcome the strong solidarity with Ukraine shown by Ireland, and indeed the whole of the EU, in the face of its illegal invasion by Russia.

As well as the excellent support being shown by individuals, Ireland has contributed some €20 million in humanitarian assistance bilaterally and via the EU. In addition, my Department provides flexible funding of €25 million a year to the UN World Food Programme, who are currently mobilising their operations in response to the situation in Ukraine.

As well as the immediate humanitarian crisis, which must take priority, we need to take the necessary steps to ensure that food security is maintained, for EU citizens, for the Ukrainian people and in the wider global context.

I will continue to work with colleagues across Government on inflationary pressures on inputs. At farm level, the crisis is already impacting very significantly on the price of animal feed, fertiliser and fuel.

Considerable volumes of both global feed and fertiliser originate and are traded through Ukraine and Russia. In addition, the food industry largely relies on natural gas for its energy supply, so costs will escalate and increases in consumer prices are likely.

At an emergency Agriculture Council on 2nd March, I joined colleagues from across the EU in highlighting concerns about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, food security across Europe, and the availability and price of animal feed and fertilisers. I welcomed Agriculture Commissioner Wojciechowski’s assurance that the European Commission stands ready to make support measures available as required. I look forward to the Commission’s detailed proposals in this regard, which are expected shortly.

I am meeting and engaging with stakeholders across the sector on an ongoing basis to discuss the impact on Irish agriculture and supply chains. I met with the main farm organisations this week and outlined the challenge that faces farmers in the short and long-term. Arising from that meeting, I have tasked Teagasc with heading up a National Fodder and Food Security Committee to explore all options to minimise the impact on farms and plan in the short to medium term.

We must take proactive steps to limit any potential disruption to our feed and food supply chains. I know farmers will rise to the challenge and meet it head on. By working collectively and collaboratively, we can ensure that the sector is insulated against the worst of what might come from supply chain disruptions.