Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is a recognised champion of international food security and global efforts to reduce hunger. In light of the deepening global food security crisis, we are actively engaged in discussions on these matters at a range of EU fora. We are particularly concerned at the situation in least developed, and import-reliant developing countries, including in the Horn of Africa. These countries are experiencing the compound impacts of COVID-19, climate change and conflict, and, now the devastating consequences of Russia’s invasion.

The Taoiseach’s participation in the European Council on 23-24 June is a notable example of this engagement, along with our contributions to Council Conclusions for a Team Europe Global Food Security Response,adopted at the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 June. EU Member States have agreed to combat Russian efforts to assign blame to EU/Western sanctions for the food crisis; reducethe dependence of partner countries on grain imports; promote sustainable food systems; and to mobilise EU funding. Solidarity in facilitating exports from Ukraine was also highlighted, with support expressed for the proposed EU ‘Solidarity Lanes’ that will facilitate the release of 22 Million tonnes of grain trapped in Ukraine.

The EU has now committed €5 billion in funding to support global food security over the next three years. This includes immediate measures through its Neighbourhood South Facility; the launch of a €225 million ‘Food and Resilience Facility’;a €1 billion pledge in support of the Sahel and Lake Chad regions; and a pledge of over €600 million for the Horn of Africa.

Ireland is committed to an effective, rapid, and well-co-ordinated Team Europe response to the global food security crisis, and we will continue to play our part. Last year, we committed €800 million to nutrition work over the next five years; we signed a three-year partnership with the World Food Programme for €75 million; and, we increased our funding to the International Fund for Agricultural Development by 67%.