Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
333. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the likelihood of a reduction in food supply to major urban centres, including Dublin, that may experience a reduction in reliable food supplies in the event of a reduction in capacity to produce same necessitated by global warming issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18883/23]
View answerIreland is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the latest Global Food Security Index, released last September.
The Irish agrifood sector is globally orientated, with approximately 90% of Irish beef, sheepmeat and dairy produce exported each year. Currently Ireland produces significantly more food than we consume.
While we also import food such as some fruit and vegetables, bread, flour, sugar and cocoa, most of these foods remain readily available on world markets. The resilience of the food supply chain was clearly demonstrated over the past number of years when dealing with the effects of Brexit and the international lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While global warming may pose additional challenges to the food supply, based on recent experiences these challenges will be dealt with and a ready supply of food will be available all across Ireland, including Dublin.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is part of the EU single market and participates in the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe. The EU is largely self-sufficient for many agricultural products but is a considerable net importer for specific products.
Issues such as conflict and climate change are challenging established assumptions on food security and will continue to impact both food affordability and farmer incomes. The EU communication "Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems” sets out actions in the three areas of security, stability, and sustainability. The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers, of which I am a member, will continue to focus on these core areas and to support the work of the recently established European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM).
