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Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Questions (47)

Neale Richmond

Question:

47. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work to date on ensuring market access and developing new markets in view of the impact of Brexit which will have significant ramifications for Irish agri-businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41539/20]

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Written answers

In the four and half years since the UK voted to withdraw from the EU, my Department has invested more resources and expertise to the pursuit and development of new markets for Ireland's agri-food sector.  However, opening and enhancing access to international markets is typically a lengthy process with negotiations often taking several years before bilateral agreements are concluded and trade can commence. Nonetheless we have made significant progress in diversification of markets. Market access or enhanced access for various products has been achieved with a number  of third countries in this period including USA, China, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Chile, Mexico and Ukraine. 

Ministerial trade missions, in collaboration with Bord Bia and the Irish Embassy network, are important in promoting awareness of Irish agri-food products and supporting meaningful interaction with its growing global customer base. For example, my Department and Bord Bia recently hosted a dairy-focused virtual trade mission to five countries in South East Asia. An innovative aspect of the mission was that it was conducted entirely online. I also participated with Bord Bia and Department officials in business meetings with customers in China, Japan, the USA and the United Arab Emirates.

The Government's continued commitment to new market development is illustrated by the appointment of my colleague, Martin Heydon T.D., as Minister of State with specific responsibility for this area. 

Once a market is opened, my Department and Bord Bia are proactive in supporting industry to capitalise on the potential trade opportunities created to further expand the global footprint of the Irish agri-food sector. 

Further detail on my Department’s initiatives on opening and developing overseas outlets for the agri-food sector can be found in the recently published Market Access Report. The Market Access Portal on my Department's website provides details on the full range of open markets and the relevant certification conditions negotiated with importing countries for a wide range of agri-food product categories.

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