Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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786. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which new markets continue to be established for Irish food and food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53539/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Continuing to grow market opportunities for dairy, meat and seafood products at home and abroad is a key goal of Food Vision 2030, the overall strategy for the future development of the agri-food sector.

To support the strategic goals of developing and diversifying agri-food export markets, Bord Bia received an allocation of €55m in Budget 2023. This funding will enable Bord Bia to continue to invest in developing new markets, defending and expanding food and drink exports in existing markets in the UK and Europe, and building the reputation of Irish food in third countries in tandem with my Department's work programme to gain, maintain and enhance market access.

A major element of the Government's strategy to develop and diversify agri-food export markets is high-level ministerial trade missions. Minister of State Martin Heydon and I have led four trade missions to date this year to destinations as diverse as the Gulf Region, North America, Japan and Singapore, and Vietnam. During the visits, we discussed market access issues with counterparts in those countries and raised the profile of Irish agri-food exports.

While my Department’s role is to open up international markets in consultation with stakeholders, it is up to the industry - with the support of my Department and Bord Bia’s marketing expertise - to capitalise on the resulting opportunities for trade.