The programme for Government promised: "We will work with the pig industry stakeholder group to enhance areas such as food safety, quality, animal welfare and environmental sustainability."

The pigmeat industry has gone through numerous bad years. It accepts it has turned a corner and many pig producers are looking at brighter futures. Their one major concern, however, is African swine fever, which is sweeping through the pig industry in China. If it were to hit Ireland, it would have devastating consequences for the industry.

What precautions is the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine taking to prevent African swine fever from entering the country?

The Department has been in active engagement with stakeholders. If one has passed through airports or ports recently, one will have seen a greater awareness campaign at points of entry and exit reminding travellers not to bring back food items and, if they do, to dispose of them properly. We are fortunate that we are free of African swine fever, which is opening up market opportunities for us in the context of the circumstances to which the Deputy alluded. We have also engaged with the pig industry in creating that awareness among its workforce. There is a role for each and every one of us in that regard. The Department is working closely with both farm organisations and individual farmers on this matter.