Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2016
446. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of trade promotion visits organised by agencies under the remit of his Department, such as Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which had representation from Northern Ireland on such missions in each of the years 2010 to 2015 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33686/16]
View answerMy Department, with the assistance of its agencies (Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Iascaigh Mhara), has organised nine trade promotional visits during the period referred to. These missions have been to a range of destinations, such as China, United States, Africa and the Gulf region, which are of strategic importance in the development of the agri-food sector.
Opening new markets, and building on successful trading relationships, are key to the continued growth of the agri-food sector. Indeed, the development of new markets is a central component of Food Wise 2015, the sector's strategy for development over the coming decade. This work has taken on renewed importance in light of the decision of the UK to leave the EU.
During these trade missions all areas of the Irish Agri-food sector have been represented, including companies that operate in both jurisdictions on this island. However, there has been no specific representation from Northern Ireland companies on these missions.
