Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2015
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that ongoing trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States of America do not militate against the agrifood sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19133/15]
View answer113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he remains satisfied that Irish food exports will not be detrimentally affected by the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19138/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 113 together.
I believe that a successful conclusion of the trade negotiations between the EU and US for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will be good for the Irish agri-food sector and will increase our exports.
Ireland has strong offensive interests in these trade negotiations, particularly in the agri-food sector. We are seeking greater market access for dairy products both in terms of tariff reductions and removal of regulatory barriers. Key exports would be branded packaged butter, powdered products and sports products. We are also interested in meats – both beef and pork – and in opening the US market to Irish lamb. The expectation in the past was of a limited opportunity or niche market for exports of beef to the US. However, because of the recent higher prices in the US, the US market will become more attractive for other lower value beef cuts. Consumer foods are also a potential area for growth, particularly porridge oats.
Of course, on beef, we have defensive interests as well although our defensive interests are tempered by recent developments in US prices and our gaining of access to the US market for Irish beef. Nevertheless it is important that any quota granted to the US does not undermine the absorption capacity of the EU. Furthermore, any quota agreed with the US would need to be matched with a quid pro quo quota for EU beef in the US. Ireland would be well placed to benefit from such a quota, with our first mover advantage on the US market.
