Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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179. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to clarify that he does formally endorse, sign or otherwise support the Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock. [6778/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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As part of its remit, Teagasc routinely hosts international scientific conferences to bring together the latest science available on a particular topic and to facilitate discussion around that science. In October 2022, Teagasc hosted, and was one of the organisers of, an international summit on the societal role of meat.

An outcome of the event was that summit attendees with academic and scientific credentials were invited to endorse the evidence base by signing the Dublin Declaration on the societal role of livestock.

The declaration deals with issues and challenges for livestock-derived foods under the headings of human health; the environment; socioeconomic aspects; and future food security. It acknowledges the need for a balanced view of animal agriculture in public discourse and policy.

It is my view that sustainably produced livestock are central to our national and international food systems. It is important that we are continuously reviewing the sector, in conjunction with stakeholders, to ensure that it is as sustainable as it can be and also that Ireland takes a leading role on this where it can.

This ambition is consistent with Food Vision 2030, the overall strategy for the Irish agri-food sector, which aims to balance economic, social and environmental sustainability under a holistic Food Systems approach. The Food Vision strategy supported by my Department sets out the societal role of Irish agriculture and is the basis for its development over this decade.