Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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869. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider financial supports for the poultry sector in wake of the escalating costs of feed and other inputs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23160/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Within my Department, I have established a high-level, rapid response committee to deal with issues arising out of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

My officials are continuing to engage closely with the various industry sectors to monitor the identified risks and work towards mitigation actions where possible and appropriate. I have tasked a National Fodder and Food Security Committee to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.

Furthermore, the Department continues to engage at EU level to ensure a joined-up EU approach to the challenges, including through the European Food Security Crisis preparedness response Mechanism (EFSCM).

Poultry meat, which is a food in high protein, has seen an increase in demand in recent years. Irish production reached record levels in 2020, with a total of 111 million birds processed in Department approved establishments. Poultry throughput for 2021 comes in slightly down on 2020 (-1.1%) with a total of 110.4 million birds slaughtered, of which 90.4% were chickens.

Prices at end of March 2022 for poultry meat were 222.18 cents/kg, seeing an increase of 7.7 cents/kg on the same period of 2021, the current price of 222.18 cents/kg is the highest level seen in recent years.

As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term. The Department will continue to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector.