A kangaroo court.

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I welcome the opportunity to address the House on the vital role played by Bord Bia in the continued success of Ireland’s agrifood sector. Agriculture and food are at the heart of our national economy and rural and coastal communities. The agrifood sector is our oldest and largest export sector, delivering high-quality produce to more than 190 countries worldwide, accounting for almost 9% of all goods exported from Ireland. The scale of our export orientation cannot be understated. Around 90% of Irish beef, sheep meat and dairy produce is exported each year, meaning our global trading relationships and reputation are essential to the sector’s continued success. In this context, Bord Bia’s role is absolutely central. Through comprehensive quality assurance programmes and extensive market expertise, Bord Bia provides confidence to international customers and strengthens Ireland’s standing as a reliable supplier of high-quality food and drink. The strength of this work is evident in the performance of our sector. While the final CSO figures will not be available until later this month, my Department estimates that total agrifood exports reached €21 billion in 2025, the highest figure on record and an extraordinary rise from €10 billion in 2011. While these results are positive, the global trading environment remains complex. Geopolitical issues, supply chain pressures and market volatility have challenged exporters in recent years. Yet, the Irish agrifood sector has shown resilience, with notable improvements in output prices, reduced input costs and better family farm incomes over the past year. To strengthen our position further, the Government’s action plan on market diversification is deepening our engagement with existing partners while targeting emerging markets. Throughout 2025, my Department maintained an intensive programme of bilateral engagement, technical negotiations and certification inspections to secure new market openings. Bord Bia has supported this work by sustaining current trade, identifying opportunities for innovation and seeking openings where Ireland has not traditionally traded. Bord Bia has the ability to find and sustain new markets, supporting Irish producers by strengthening existing trading relationships while also opening fresh opportunities across the globe. Over the past year, we have seen considerable success in new market access. Irish beef secured entry into Libya, Thailand and Vietnam, while access for duck meat was achieved in Malaysia following extensive negotiation. Access for Irish beef into Japan has also been expanded to include cooked beef products. These developments greatly extend the global reach of Irish food producers. In my role, I have had the privilege of supporting this international work directly. Only last week, I led a trade mission to the United Arab Emirates, delivered in collaboration with Bord Bia, that was centred on the Gulfood exhibition, the largest food and beverage showcase in the world. Similar engagements last year brought me to Mexico, South Am-----

Sentiment score: 0.40

-----South Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia and major European markets, including Germany and France. On each occasion, I witnessed the high regard in which Irish food is held and the strength of the relationships Bord Bia has built on the ground. The foundation of this sector’s success is, and always will be, the people who produce our food. Our farmers, fishers, processors and food and drink producers-----

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-----work tirelessly every day to ensure Ireland continues to deliver excellence to international markets. I acknowledge the leadership and professionalism of the board and chairman of Bord Bia, Larry Murrin, in whom I have full confidence. Their strategic guidance and wealth of experience have been instrumental in promoting Ireland's reputation globally and supporting the long-term interests of the agrifood sector. As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains clear to strengthen existing markets, open new ones and ensure Ireland continues to be recognised worldwide as a provider of high-quality food and drink. Working together - Government, Bord Bia and all the stakeholders — we can continue to deliver growth, stability and opportunity across the entire agrifood sector.

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Without interruption.

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