Minister fetes Irish food

THE food industry was described yesterday as an important pillar of the Irish economy in terms of exports, employment, output and contribution to spatial strategy.

Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh said it drives exports valued at €7 billion or over 55% of indigenous exports and is responsible for the direct employment of 50,000 people.

The food and agri-food sector supports upwards of 200,000 people countrywide and is well-placed to meet future challenges, he said, in a response to the recent Enterprise Strategy Group report.