986. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the creation of a strategic 90-day food reserve similar to the NORA model for fuel; his views on whether recent climate related disruption in the area of food production coupled with Ireland's reliance on imports for both food and livestock production that it is prudent to explore the feasability of such an approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64947/26]

1000. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied); if his Department have considered establishing a strategic food reserve in light of the risks posed by climate change; if his Department will carry out a public assessment of Ireland's food import dependency and supply chain vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65625/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 986 and 1000 together.

Ireland is one of the most food secure countries in the world, ranking second of 113 countries assessed for food security in the Global Food Security Index. Furthermore, the most recent Teagasc Sustainability Report finds that Irish dairy, cattle, tillage and sheep farms produce protein sufficient to meet the requirements of over 30 million people.

Nonetheless, recent geopolitical crises have challenged established assumptions on food security. The EU Single Market and Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) are the critical mechanisms for ensuring food security throughout the European Union and Ireland. The matter of food reserves is kept under review via the European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM). The Agriculture and Fisheries Council, which I currently chair, continues to support the work of the EFSCM, to ensure that we have adequate preparation for and responses to potential and real threats to global food security.

EFSCM discussions have recently focused on the situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on food security, with particular focus on trade flows, energy and fertilisers. We also continue to engage on proposals laid out in EU Commission’s Fertiliser Action Plan, which aims to address fertiliser costs and scarcity, strengthen production within the EU and curb reliance on imports.

Ireland’s approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food is set out in Food Vision 2030, our stakeholder-led strategy. My Department is currently undertaking a mid-term review of Food Vision 2030, and food security will be among the issues to be considered. While Ireland has a comparative advantage in grass-based livestock production, and this will remain at the core of our agri-food output, there are advantages in working towards a more diversified sector.

In addition, in recognition of the Government’s commitment to the development of the horticulture sector, over €15 million was paid to Irish horticulture growers in 2025 through a range of schemes. The National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 provides a road map to facilitate the further development of the sector. The Report of the Food Vision 2030 Tillage Group also continues to be progressed.

Building resilience in the livestock sector is also a key contributory factor to protecting food security. During the recent Informal meeting of Agriculture Ministers in Ireland, our Presidency facilitated a coordinated discussion on the EU Commission’s Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan aimed at considering how both strategies can best be put into action to foster food security, support farmers and address economic, environmental and market challenges.