Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Food production and export is a major component of the Irish economy and the development and enhancement of new international markets for agrifood products remains an important part of the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with approximately 90% of the food produced in Ireland being exported.

Chief amongst this has been the Irish meat sector which has continued to access and develop market opportunities in both European and international markets. Diversifying and developing markets for beef, sheep meat, pig meat and poultry meat will continue to be a priority for me and the Government.

The resumption of beef exports to China earlier this year was an important development for the beef industry and my Department, in conjunction with our Embassy network remains in ongoing negotiations in a number of priority international markets in order to further access opportunities for Irish meat and meat products.

I have led trade missions to New Zealand and China in the first half of this year and hope to visit South East Asia later in 2023. In addition, I and Department officials have hosted visits at Ministerial and technical levels with a view to pursuing value-enhancing market opportunities for the agrifood sector.

These high-level political engagements are very important in fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to pursue value-enhancing market avenues, in the context of live exports and animal welfare.