Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2015
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if in the context of trade agreement discussions between the European Union and the United States of America, he remains satisfied that the interests of the agrifood sector in Ireland and in the European Union are adequately provided for and will not become disadvantaged in the course of parallel trade negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6651/15]
View answerI believe that a trade and investment agreement between the European Union and the United States will be good for Ireland and good for Europe. Such an agreement has, in my view, the potential to enhance growth and increase jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
In the agriculture sector, Ireland has substantial offensive interests. We are keen to increase our access to the American market for dairy products, pigmeat, beverages and food ingredients. Now that we have gained access to the US beef market, we want to grow that trade by securing higher quotas and lower tariffs.
Of course we have defensive interests as well. One of these is our beef sector where we are mindful of the potential of increased imports of US beef to have a negative effect on the economics of EU and Irish beef production, particularly beef from suckler cows. We must ensure that the EU market is not undermined by over-supply.
We are at a relatively early stage in these negotiations but I am confident that there is sufficient determination and good will on both sides of the Atlantic to secure an agreement that will be good for Europe and good for the United States.
