97 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the contribution that he believes the Irish agri-food sector can make to economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21850/10]

Accounting as it does for over half of manufacturing exports from Irish owned firms, the agri-food sector has a key role to play in this country's economic recovery. In this regard, the 2020 Committee, which I have established, will shortly finalise its strategy outlining the key actions which they consider are needed to ensure that the sector contributes to our export-led economic recovery and to the development of the smart economy.