Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Jan 2024

Vol. 1048 No. 5

United Kingdom Import Controls: Statements

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Charlie McConalogue)

The decision taken by the UK in 2016 to leave the European Union has resulted in a long and complex path for the UK, the EU and Ireland in plotting a way to a new post-Brexit relationship. We have already seen a wide range of impacts, and while almost eight years have passed since the UK decision, the ramifications are still playing out.

The conclusion of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, TCA, in 2021 does provide a sound basis for future EU and UK engagement and it avoided the negative and immediate impacts which a no-deal Brexit would have caused at that point. In respect of the new trading environment, the TCA provides for the maintenance of tariff-free trade between the UK and the EU, which is particularly important for lreland, given the level of trade between our two countries. The TCA does not, however, provide for the full trade facilitation benefits which the EU Single Market delivers. The UK’s decision to leave both the EU customs union and Single Market has resulted in significant changes in how trade takes place between the EU and the UK. Full EU and UK customs requirements which apply to other non-EU trading partners now apply to all trade between the EU and UK.

From the agrifood perspective, for imports of food from the UK, full EU sanitary and phytosanitary, SPS, requirements that are applicable for imports from third countries were introduced from 1 January 2021, which is more than three years ago now. The application of these requirements on imports from Great Britain has been challenging for UK businesses and their Irish customers, but the investment made by the Irish Government in preparing for these changes ensured there was minimal disruption to trade.

We have now reached another milestone in post-Brexit EU-UK trading arrangements. For EU and Irish imports to Great Britain, the UK Government has been taking a phased approach to the introduction of full customs requirements and sanitary and phytosanitary import controls for EU agrifood goods. The next phase of these UK import requirements will now be applied by the UK Government from 31 January. There are three significant changes which Irish exporters to Great Britain and their supply chain partners must meet from this date. First, full UK customs import declarations must be lodged on the UK customs systems in advance of goods entering Great Britain. This removes the current six-month delay derogation for making these declarations which has been applied by the UK since the end of the Brexit transition period. For agrifood imports from Ireland, all animal products and all high- and medium-risk plant products imported to Great Britain must be now be pre-notified on the UK food and feed import system by the GB importer of the goods or their GB-based agent from 31 January.

For animal and plant products which have been categorised as high or medium risk by the UK, each import consignment will require export health certification. This export certificate must be completed and signed by an official inspector or official veterinarian from the Irish competent authority supervising each individual food business. These new UK requirements will also apply to animal products transiting across the Great Britain land bridge to EU markets from Ireland. All animal products must be pre-notified and high- or medium-risk animal products must have a transit health certificate. The transit requirements do not apply to plant products. As I said, all of these changes will apply from 31 January 2024. From midnight on 30 January, these changes will apply. They will apply on 31 January.

These new UK requirements represent a significant change in the trading arrangements for Irish exports to Great Britain. It is therefore important that all businesses involved in the Ireland to Great Britain supply chain ensure they are ready to meet these changes. In respect of the agrifood sector, this requires Irish food businesses exporting to Great Britain, their logistics providers, their customs agent and freight forwarder, and their Great British customers, to be clear who is responsible for meeting each of the new UK requirements and ensuring that the supply chain timings are aligned to meet the new requirements. An important message for Irish businesses is that while the UK Government has postponed the introduction of these import requirements on a number of occasions over the past three years, these changes are now definitely coming into effect on 31 January 2024 based on all of the latest engagement we have had with the UK Government on these issues. There will be no further postponements, according to the UK Government.

This Government, including my Department, has continued, as it has in the run-up to previous UK deadlines, to support businesses in preparing for these new UK import requirements. Following publication of the UK border target operating model, my Department carried out a comprehensive assessment of the new UK requirements. This included analysis of the new UK risk categorisation approach to controls on agrifood goods to understand which UK requirements apply to which products. This UK approach is significantly different from the approach taken by the EU to imports from the UK. Our assessment also included detailed surveys of food businesses across all product categories to assess the certification demand to Great Britain. There has been extensive engagement between local competent authority supervisory teams with individual food businesses to agree processes to meet UK requirements. In respect of provision of Great British export health certificates, my Department has also developed new processes and standard operating procedures to support Irish exporters in meeting the new certification demands from UK. A comprehensive Government communications plan to raise awareness of the requirements, including wide-ranging stakeholder engagement across a number of Government Departments, including my own Department, has been implemented.

There has also been extensive direct engagement with all stakeholders, including the circulation of information and guidance to over 1,000 businesses involved in the agrifood sector supply chain, a series of detailed information webinars, a series of dedicated training programmes for certifying officers and food businesses on export certification requirements and processes, and the EU trade control and expert system, TRACES, which will deliver e-certificates. We have also seen the implementation of a detailed human resource plan, with a focus on deploying certifying officer resources in the most efficient and effective manner to deliver certification. There has been investment in IT infrastructure to support certification in the food businesses located in every county in the country.

I believe Irish exporters have engaged with all of these activities and are preparing for these changes in the Ireland-UK trading environment. However, as we approach the end of January deadline for these changes, I would urge all businesses to make sure they are ready. Those who may still be unsure of the requirements should reach out to my Department now.

I urge the following key messages on all exporters to the UK. They should familiarise themselves with the new UK customs and sanitary and phytosanitary, SPS, requirements. They should engage with everyone in their supply chain, including their customers and importers in Great Britain, as well as their transport and logistics providers, to make sure they are aware of their new roles and responsibilities. Agrifood and animal exporters should check the UK's rules and risk categories to find out if they will need an export health certificate. Companies should ensure their Great British importer or agent is registered on the UK import of products, animals, food and feed system, IPAFFS, and that the IPAFFS reference number is included in the customs import declaration. Those who are exporting live animals or animal products must register as an approved exporter on EU TRACES. They should engage with the local competent authority supervisory team responsible for their food business, whether that is my Department, the HSE, a local authority veterinary service or the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, to agree how this certification, if required, can be provided. Any business that remains unsure of the requirements and what they need to do should access the online resources on gov.ie or contact my Department's Brexit helpline at [e-mail].

The UK market is of critical importance to the Irish economy and in particular to the Irish agrifood sector. While Brexit has inevitably presented challenges for Ireland, Irish businesses have shown themselves to be resilient and agile in meeting these challenges over the past eight years since the UK voted to leave the EU. It is very important that Irish businesses fully engage with, and prepare for, this next phase of Brexit-related changes to the Ireland-UK trading environment. The Government, as it has throughout the Brexit process, stands ready to continue to support Irish businesses involved in Ireland to Great Britain supply chains in meeting this next phase of Brexit changes.

Deputy Claire Kerrane

It is safe to say we would rather not see these new custom controls coming into effect. We would rather not have seen Brexit come to pass, but now that these new controls are here and happening in a matter of days, the Government and the Minister's Department have a major role to play and a responsibility to make sure the requirements now needed are as straightforward as possible for those they will impact. That will not be easy.

The Minister will know there is already concern about the additional red tape that these customs controls will require and the increased costs that will arise for exporters. There is also concern for those unforeseen issues that may, and more than likely will, arise as the new practices bed in.

Last Friday, the Government issued a press release calling on Irish exporters to get ready for the new rules. We know that larger companies will be well ready and will have the resources to ensure they are ready. Some companies will have hired individuals specifically to work around and ensure the new system and requirements are met. This is where the Government must step up. The Minister has outlined some of the preparation, particularly within his Department. We know the importance of that preparation, given that Britain is our biggest market for food and drink. We know that beef exports hit €1.3 billion last year and dairy products were worth €1.1 billion. Britain is an essential market for agriculture in Ireland.

There will be steps that those in Britain, including the hauliers, will have to take before products depart for ports here. Importers in Britain will have to notify the authorities when it comes to live animals and meat. While these are steps the British have to take, getting this right and ensuring it is done will impact our exporters.

The Minister, in his contribution, made reference to his latest engagement with the British Government. It is important that we know exactly what engagement has taken place to ensure it has done everything that needs to be done to ensure our exporters are not impacted when it comes to the movement of goods.

We know that health certificates will be required for the export of live animals, meat and other food from Ireland to confirm they meet British standards.

The Government needs to be clear in communicating what this process will look like and attempt to make it as accessible and straightforward as possible. We know Department vets will have a key role in this. This begs the question as to whether the Department has enough vets. The Minister will be well aware that concerns have been raised about this. It is essential to ensure this works and runs as it should. I am concerned that the Minister did not mention vets in the list of actions he mentioned that have been taken regarding preparation. It is important that we know whether additional vets have been hired and what has been done to ensure they are in place across the State to make sure the health certificates that will be required can be put together and be in place, and this is done in a timely manner for all our exporters.

We know that the goods movement reference numbers must be notified to authorities 24 hours in advance. This means that an awful lot of businesses and exporters will have to work ahead of time when it comes to the movement of goods. Concerns have also been raised about this.

I appreciate that these are new customs controls and that there will be an element of "wait and see". We can only hope that we will not see significant issues regarding the movement of goods under these new controls. The Minister acknowledged the level of engagement and communication he and his Department have undertaken, which is welcome and really important. A lot of businesses, particularly small businesses, will be nervous about these significant changes for themselves and their livelihoods, particularly smaller companies that may not have the resources and money to meet these additional costs and may not have the staff to deal with the additional red tape and paperwork that will be involved. The Minister mentioned his engagement and communication. I acknowledge that the Irish Exporters Association has held a number of events, and I am sure they have been really helpful to those who will be affected. It is important that we acknowledge them. It is a case of "wait and see" but we must make sure we support those smaller exporters and companies in particular because they will need our assistance as we get through this new system.

Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

The Minister will not be surprised that I am going to concentrate today on the impact of Brexit on the Irish fishing, seafood and aquaculture industries and indeed the import and export of seafood into and out of Ireland. It was well flagged in advance that the Irish fishing and seafood industry was going to be the big casualty of Great Britain’s decision to leave the EU - the big casualty or as Irish fishermen know all too well, the sacrificial lamb. It involved a 15% quota cut, 39 fishing vessels lost forever to the Irish fleet and a loss of at least €43 million every year. It has been a disaster. The worst part is that it is still rolling and rolling.

The National Inshore Fishermen’s Association appeared before the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine yesterday pleading for support in the face of collapsing markets and no safety net support funding. This inshore industry is also suffering extinction by a thousand cuts. Add into that the news we received just this morning about new animal health certification requirements for live aquaculture animals transiting the British land bridge and we really are in the middle of the perfect storm.

Let us get to the specific topic of today’s statements, namely, import controls on goods and services from Great Britain. I will also speak about export controls. On Monday, 2 October 2023, five fish processors imported fish in one lorry consignment into Belfast via Cairnryan as they had done for 20 years. Clearance was provided in writing for this haulier to exit the port and proceed on his way to deliver the fish. Later that evening, a trade in animals and related products, TARP, notice issued from Belfast City Council to recall the goods. At this stage, some of the goods were already in transit to Europe. The following Friday, 6 October, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland contacted the customers to say that a food recall notice was issued. This was extended to a European-wide recall notice. Despite contacting the Minister's office, the Department, the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to try and understand what happened, the shutters were pulled down. Authorities were also contacted in the North. To this day, we, the haulage company, the processors, the purchasers and the retailers still do not know what happened that caused this awful scenario and completely avoidable mess. We asked that a report on exactly what happened in this situation be completed and published to prevent this ever happening again. We have also asked that a framework be published and understood by all stakeholders and authorities should such an occurrence happen in the future.

Separately, we were made aware this morning of a potentially seriously damaging change for the aquaculture industry that will come in over a cliff edge on 31 January 2024. Full animal certification will now be required for all live aquatic animals transiting Great Britain. This will have considerable consequences for the aquaculture industry. As the appointed competent body responsible for these inspections, the Marine Institute must be contacted four days in advance and inspections must be carried out on site. The service provided to carry out inspections is Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. There is considerable concern that capacity does not exist within veterinary officials in the Department to be able to manage these additional requirements. This is another example of bad planning or lack of planning and failing to engage with those who know the industry as is the case in so many other fields when we talk about this Government. Yet again, there was no meeting with all the stakeholders at the table. What engagement did the Department have with British and EU officials in advance of these requirements to examine any kind of workaround or perhaps even a derogation for bivalve molluscs transiting through the British land bridge?

Both of the examples that I have set out confirm the difficulties that Brexit has visited upon the Irish seafood industry. I am, therefore, asking for a direct written response from the Minister's office on both matters I raised today. I await those responses with interest.

Deputy Cormac Devlin

I welcome the opportunity to examine the forthcoming UK import controls. As the Minister outlined, from next Wednesday, 31 January, new requirements will be in place for agrifood businesses exporting to Great Britain. Unfortunately, these changes are a further outcome and certainly a reminder of Brexit.

Over one third of Irish exports go to the UK and the UK remains the largest single destination for Irish food, drink and horticultural exports. The new UK import control requirements will create significant change in the trading environment for Irish agrifood exports. As the UK continues and will continue to be an import market for Irish exports, a smooth transition to these new requirements will be very important for Ireland. It is important that all businesses in the agrifood supply chain to Great Britain continue to engage with their UK customers, their local supervisory authority and logistical providers to confirm appropriate processes are in place. Thankfully, given the status of the North, the new UK requirements do not apply to goods moving between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

It will be recalled that during the period from Ireland's independence to Ireland's entry into the EEC, the State was economically dependent on exports to the UK. The European Common Market opened further opportunities for Irish firms to diversify across the European Union. However, the UK remains the destination for over one third of Irish exports and is the single largest destination for Irish food, drink and agri exports. The UK accounts for 47% of Irish beef exports with an estimated value of €1.3 billion while dairy exports to the UK were valued at €1.1 billion in 2023. Approximately 26% of our sheep meat goes to the UK. The UK was one of the biggest markets for our drinks sector in 2023, with Irish whiskey exports to the UK totalling €65 million, representing a 38% increase on 2022. Exports of beer to the UK rose by 26%. The UK was the key export market for cider, accounting for 90% of overall exports. The UK was a key growth market for gin, with Irish exports growing by 82% and reaching a value of €3 million. These exports support thousands of Irish jobs and families and it is critical that the new regulations do not unduly affect trade.

The new regulations are being introduced as part of the UK's border target operating model. It should be noted that these changes have been delayed twice but they will now come into effect from Wednesday, 31 January 2024. It is understood that the physical checks at the border control posts of goods entering Great Britain from the Republic of Ireland will not begin until 31 October 2024 at the earliest, although this date has not yet been confirmed.

These new rules will impact traders exporting goods to Great Britain or via the UK land bridge to the rest of the European Union. These UK rules will be in addition to the existing formalities that apply when exporting goods from the EU. The three important UK changes that will apply to traders are pre-notification requirements for live animals, animal products and high- and medium-risk category plant products; full custom controls; and health certification on medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin. The UK requirements do not apply to goods moving across the island of Ireland. I welcome comments from the Minister and officials that they are confident medium to large firms are generally well prepared. On that note I commend the Department, and indeed several Departments, on the preparations they have put in place to try to notify businesses of the impacts, changes and the changing environment of trading between Ireland and the UK. However, the concern is about getting the word out and raising awareness for smaller retailers and traders who may not have in-house specialist advice. Like other speakers I encourage them to visit gov.ie where comprehensive information on the UK import arrangements is available. It is also critical that they engage with all stakeholders in their logistics chain. I especially thank the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and his officials for their efforts to raise awareness of these changes and for their continued work to ensure a smooth continuation of Irish trade with the UK.

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

The prospective changes on the way will most definitely pose significant challenges to Irish farmers and to the agrifood sector in general. The sector is one of the most important to our State and is especially important among indigenous and exporting SMEs. As a small, open economy, exports are the driving force. As it stands, only 6% of our SMEs export and most of these export to the British market. It is worth saying that when I engage with SMEs, as I regularly do, they all say they want to be able to increase their exports and grow that figure. Everyone is united in the ambition of growing that 6%. These changes will, of course, pose significant difficulties for those who export to the British market. We cannot wish these changes away. They will happen. Business and agribusiness have proved themselves to be steadfast and resilient, in particular in sticking with the Brexit process. They have to be commended on their strength and the agility they have shown because they have had to deal with massive changes.

Maintaining and increasing exports among our SMEs is a key area for Sinn Féin. If we are to achieve sustainable, diversified growth and enhanced economic resilience, it is essential that the Irish-owned enterprise sector fulfils its potential to scale and succeeds on global markets. Irish-manufactured products continue to compete well on world markets, and the Government and the enterprise agencies must do all they can to ensure this remains the case. The barriers posed by these import controls are a challenge and the State must remain agile and responsive to the needs of business to surmount these challenges. While we await published figures for 2023, it must be pointed out that the most recent figures from Enterprise Ireland show that 2022 was an incredibly important year for agrifood exports among its client base. Despite Brexit, Britain remains the largest market for Enterprise Ireland clients, and is also the largest single destination for Irish food, drink and horticulture exports. While opportunities in the European Union and further afield must be seized, Irish businesses cannot lose the foothold they have worked so hard to obtain within the British market. In this, the Government can help by ensuring guidance, support and a vision for this critical sector.

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú

Once again we are dealing with Brexit - the gift that does not stop giving. None of that has unfortunately been particularly positive for Britain or Ireland, and we know all of the machinations with the political conditions in the North at this point. There has been absolutely nothing positive. We have seen a huge amount of work done on the Windsor Framework and we have welcomed anything that mitigates the difficulties that have been first and foremost caused by Brexit. We all accept that.

However, what are we talking about? From January 31 there will be pre-notification requirements for live animals, animal products and high- and medium-risk category plant products, full customs controls, and health certification on medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin. It has been said that a considerable number of big operators, in particular, will already have a considerable amount of capacity to deal with these particular issues. This will put particular constraints and impositions on some of the smaller operators. I think we will need to ensure that we provide whatever supports can be provided. Deputy Kerrane made a point about making sure we will have the administrative and veterinary requirements, in particular relating to health certificates. We need to ensure the State does not fall down in this regard, even while accepting that all of this has been created by the disaster that was Brexit. It continues to be a disaster. It is fair to say that the British economy has not exactly made great strides since the UK left the EU. In fairness, they had a right to do that. My particular issue with Brexit is the impact it is having on these particular trading issues. There is also the fact that the North voted to stay within the European Union, but unfortunately due to partition we have the situation we have. With regard to the Executive, some of those particular issues will hopefully get sorted and the DUP will find a way to return to the normality of politics that people want to see. With an Executive up and running, supports can be provided for those people, which the British Government is not providing. Obviously - there is no "probably" about it - it is a means of leverage the British Government has introduced on the DUP. However, it is unfortunately impacting on regular people in the North. That is probably nothing surprising for a British Government. That is where we are.

Whether we are talking about aquaculture or agriculture, we know the significance. Britain accounts for 47% of our beef exports, which are valued at approximately €1.3 billion. Dairy exports to Britain were valued at €1.1 billion last year. We need to ensure we are not detrimentally impacted by this. This has obviously been imposed on us but we have to make sure we have all of our capacity and requirements in place, and that goes without saying. Deputy Mac Lochlainn made a point about the difficulties that have been faced and the many bad deals those who work in the fishing industry have had to deal with for a long time. Once again, these impositions will badly impact on them. We need to have a greater level of Government intervention in dealing with them.

I am sorry that the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, is not here because I wanted to bring up the issue of supports for Cooley farmers following the recent floods. I have no doubt the Minister of State will relay that. It is something we need to see movement on, and probably a bespoke arrangement. Something must be put in place for similar circumstances that may arise in the future. I apologise, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, as I may have overrun my time.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Just a little bit. Bogfaimid ar aghaidh go dtí an Grúpa Réigiúnach.

Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick

Approximately 40% of Irish exports in food and beverages take place with the UK. Some 47% of Irish beef exports, with an estimated value of €1.3 billion go there, while dairy exports to the UK were valued at €1.1 billion in 2023. Overall, it is clear to see that despite the UK now being outside the EU Single Market and customs union, it continues to be an important market for Irish exports. The smooth transition to these new UK requirements, therefore, will be important for us and for certain sectors of the economy. Given our close proximity and history of trading, it will remain the most important market for Ireland across many of our key sectors from beef, dairy and horticulture, all the way to prepared consumer food. The EU introduced customs and border procedures and checks under the trade and co-operation agreement. However, as the UK has delayed implementation of customs checks, Irish exports have yet to see any negative impacts. The new customs, sanitary and phytosanitary requirements on all imported goods into Britain will be rolled out on 31 January 2024 as part of its new border target operating model.

These requirements do not apply to goods that are moving from Ireland to Northern Ireland. Qualifying goods originating in Northern Ireland will continue to have unfettered access to Great Britain. However, businesses exporting certain goods from Ireland to the UK or using the UK land bridge will need to pre-lodge their import declarations using the goods vehicle movement system, generate a goods movement reference and standard customs controls will apply on arrival. Additionally, hauliers who move goods through UK ports which use the goods vehicle movement system will need to register for the service. Irish exporters are therefore urged to examine their supply chains, speak to their customers in the UK and to their transport and logistics providers.

From 31 January 2024, export health certificates, or sanitary and phytosanitary checks, will apply to high- and medium-risk animal products, plants and plant products imported to Great Britain from Ireland and the rest of the EU. It is important to note that this will involve exporters liaising with local veterinary inspectors. The additional documentation will come on top of the formalities already in place for goods that are being exported to the EU. Despite the incoming administrative burden and the costs associated with them, it is also important to be aware that Enterprise Ireland has numerous financial supports available under the Brexit adjustment initiative that will help companies prepare for the new exporting regime.

Government officials have been engaging heavily with Irish exporters, logistics providers and ferry operators, and have run communication and education campaigns. We are confident that awareness and preparedness among medium to large Irish firms is good ahead of the introduction of the new requirements. Although Government officials have been engaging heavily with Irish exporters, logistics providers and ferry operators, and have run communication and education campaigns, there is less confidence that smaller traders have the resources and knowledge to be fully ready. It is expected that the UK authorities will adopt a pragmatic and educational approach to the changes initially, but ongoing consistent or deliberate breaches could result in penalties. We are confident that the UK will remain the most important country for Irish food and drink exports.

For EU countries excluding Ireland, documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks will apply in respect of certain products from 30 April 2024. These include medium-risk animal products, medium-risk plants, medium-risk plant products and high-risk foods and feed of non-animal origin. For Ireland, these measures will not come into force for a further six months.

Safety and security declarations for EU imports will come into force from 31 October 2024. Each mode of transport will have certain requirements that must be followed to meet the safety and security requirements. The border target operating model also introduces the UK single trade window which will remove duplication where possible across different pre-arrival datasets, such as safety and security, sanitary and phytosanitary, and pre-lodged customs declarations.

It is expected that shipments that do not have the required declarations submitted at least 24 hours or more in advance will not be allowed to board ferries. Long delays are not expected at Irish ports following the commencement of the new system. All businesses in the agrifood supply chain to Great Britain should engage with their UK customers, their local supervisory competent authority team and logistics providers to confirm necessary processes are in place.

Ireland has significant economic ties with the UK, our closest neighbour and one of our most important trading partners. Brexit has changed forever the trade relationship between the UK and Ireland and the extent of these changes will only become fully evident over time. Exports by Enterprise Ireland client companies to the UK were €7.6 billion in 2017 and rose to €9.2 billion last year. Given our close proximity and our history of trading, the UK is expected to remain the most important market for Ireland across many of our key sectors, including beef, dairy, horticulture and prepared consumer food. If businesses export goods from Ireland to the UK, excluding Northern Ireland, or use the UK land bridge, these new rules may require changes to their operations. It is highly advised that all Irish exporters examine their supply chains, speak to their customers in the UK and to their transport and logistics providers.

Deputy Carol Nolan

As we know, the changes to the UK import controls come against the backdrop of the publication by the UK Government last April of its draft border target operating model which will be applicable to imports from all countries into Great Britain, including from the EU. I am struck by its aim to balance the need for effective border controls with the need to support businesses and import processes that are as simple as possible. On these points, I could not agree more. Things should be kept simple, the process needs to be less bureaucratic and we should ensure that import-export procedures, while remaining simple, continue to be robust. The latter is, I accept, a balance that is difficult to achieve.

I certainly want to avoid the extension of the difficulties experienced by our hauliers to farmers and the agricultural export system. I recently highlighted the challenges that hauliers continue to face as the key link in the import-export arena regarding the automated import system, AIS, and the automated export system, AES. These systems are operated by Revenue and since September hauliers have informed me they have been up and down. The inefficiency of the system is unacceptable. It is causing hauliers delays and costing them money. If the banking system had such inefficiencies, there would be fines. I have raised this issue with many Ministers in this Chamber since September and I really hope that it will be sorted out for the hauliers. I know the Minister of State will take it on board because he has an interest in this area.

According to the hauliers I have spoken to, the AIS and AES are down at an alarming rate. This means that hauliers end up waiting for their cargo to be processed by Revenue's fallback systems before they are allowed to leave the port, which causes huge delays. Not alone is it costing the hauliers and causing delays I would be concerned that it is damaging our reputation in terms of trade. I really hope that they agrifood sector will not experience the same problems.

I am aware that the Department of Foreign Affairs has outlined eight things people need to do in advance of the 31 January implementation date, including familiarising themselves with the UK customs and SPS systems.

Deputy Michael Collins

The three main changes for Irish traders are: advanced notification for live animals, animal products and certain plant products; full UK customs controls; and health certification for certain animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk foods and feed of non-animal origin. The Minister for agriculture, Deputy McConalogue, stated that these rules represent a significant change for Irish agrifood exporters to Britain which is Ireland's largest export market. He urged businesses to engage with their UK customers and logistics providers to ensure they can meet these new requirements. The UK is a major market for Irish exports particularly for the agrifood sector. It accounts for 47% of Irish beef exports, worth about €1.3 billion and dairy exports valued at €1.1 billion in 2023.

From 31 January 2024, Irish traders exporting goods to Britain or via the UK to the rest of Europe will need to ensure the UK importer or agent has registered with the UK customs declaration system, has made a customs declaration and uses the UK goods vehicle management system to generate a goods movement reference before departing for ports in Ireland. For certain products they must ensure their UK importer or agent has pre-notified each consignment on the UK food and feed import system. They must ensure any products that require export health certificates have one. These new rules will not apply to goods moving between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Goods from Northern Ireland continue to have unrestricted access to Britain.

These new rules will have significant implications for the Irish agrifood sector and will lead to increased costs and delays for exporters which in turn affects competitiveness of Irish products in the UK market. It raises the question as to why the Minister for agriculture did not do more to negotiate a better deal with the UK or at EU level. This debate comes very late in the process, and it is not entirely clear what, if anything, the Minister has done to ensure that the interests of the Irish agrifood sector are adequately represented in negotiations like this.

We all recall the Brexit negotiations when the Minister for agriculture was effectively missing in action - he is also missing this evening. This resulted in the loss of €43 million in fish quota for Ireland. Every year it looks like just another repeat performance. As Deputy Mac Lochlainn mentioned, representatives of the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association appeared before the agriculture committee. They are going through a dreadful crisis at present. An estimated 75% of fish caught in Irish seas are caught by non-Irish fishing boats. This is the deal we have done with other countries after Brexit.

In other words, the Irish fishing fleet is allowed just 25% of the of the 1.2 million tonnes of fish that are caught in Irish waters each year. We need better support for our fishermen, inshore and our pelagic fishermen.

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Peter Burke)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Cheann Comhairle. First, I thank all of the Deputies who participated in the debate for their interest and contributions on this very important topic. It is vital that all of us in this House work together to get the message out to our exporters and businesses. There are many people in each of our constituencies who will be impacted by these new UK measures. We need to ensure they are aware of the new rules and, critically, are getting ready for them.

We in Government have been working since last year to raise awareness of this upcoming deadline. We have held specific engagements will all the key sectors.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, outlined at the start of this session, has held a significant number of engagements, meetings, webinars and seminars for the agri-food sector in particular.

The Department of Transport has engaged with the ports, ferry companies and the haulage and logistics sector, which play such a vital role in supporting our supply chains. Revenue has engaged with all stakeholders in the customs area around the entry into force of the new UK customs requirements.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the State agencies, in particular Enterprise Ireland, have undertaken outreach to exporting businesses and traders. We have worked with groups such as the Irish Business Employers Confederation, IBEC, and the Irish Exporters Association to ensure all their members are taking the steps they need to get ready.

We launched an advertising campaign last year, running on national, regional and local radio, in print, online and on social media. As a result of all of these communications and engagements, we have a good level of confidence that we have managed to reach our target audience. I believe that large and medium-sized operators in particular are aware of the new UK rules and are clearly engaged in getting ready for next week’s deadline.

We remain concerned that smaller operators may not yet be fully aware, however. This is particularly true for businesses that export only small volumes or only on an irregular basis to Britain. We are therefore continuing to ramp up our awareness raising efforts this week and into next to ensure that everyone who is potentially impacted is made aware.

Overall, the feedback is that Irish businesses are well on their way to being ready for 31 January. Impacted businesses on the agri-food side are clearly in the process of engaging with their relevant supervisory authorities to make sure that they have arrangements in place to get the certification required. Putting in place those arrangements for certification by a veterinary health inspector has required an enormous effort by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as well as the other supervisory authorities, including the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency, the HSE and local authorities. As the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, has set out, these new UK requirements are a significant change for Irish exporters. They will be challenging, in particular for those in the agri-food sector. There are now many new steps to be undertaken prior to goods from Ireland entering Britain. In particular, the certification process will take time and will require close co-operation and co-ordination between the producer, the veterinary health inspector, as well as the British importer, the haulier, the ferry company and all others involved in the supply chain.

Businesses will have to examine their business models and adapt accordingly. This will be easier for some than for others. What is clear is that those who have already engaged and taken the necessary steps to get ready for 31 January will be in a good position to ensure continued smooth flow of trade with Britain.

The Government has engaged extensively with the British authorities and agencies on their new requirements. We have continually sought the necessary detail and clarity from the UK authorities so that Irish businesses can prepare fully. I am glad to report that the UK authorities are very committed to the continued smooth flow of trade from Ireland throughout the 31 January period and into the future.

Of course, Ireland remains an important source of many products, particularly food products for Britain. The Irish meat sector is particularly important to Britain, for example. I have no doubt, therefore, that the UK authorities will ensure that their systems and processes are ready for the transition to the new requirements starting on 31 January.

We are engaged with port and shipping companies around the practical implementation of these new UK rules next week. We have had excellent engagement with the sector. Our key message to exporters is to only let their goods leave the factory or processing plant once they are sure they have met all the necessary UK requirements. In this way, we can ensure continued smooth traffic through our ports on 31 January. We, of course, have contingency plans in place should there be any issues in the ports. We are confident, however, that these will not be required and that everyone along the supply chain will take the steps necessary to get ready for 31 January. This is why today, Deputies, I repeat the call that the Government has been making to urge all Irish businesses to examine the new UK rules and see what they need to do. It is not too late to get ready. Businesses should today read up on the new UK rules, pick up the phone to their British importers, talk to their transport or logistics agent as well as to their shipping company. Anyone who thinks they will need an export health certificate should immediately contact their supervisory authority if they have not done so already.

There is no doubt these new UK requirements are a significant change. They are the first in a number of milestones, as the UK plans on introducing further controls in phases later this year.

Irish businesses have weathered the turbulence of Brexit remarkably well to date. Through significant effort and preparation, they successfully came through the challenges and uncertainties of the first phase of Brexit four years ago, in January 2021. Without underplaying the significance of this next phase, I am optimistic that we can also weather this latest Brexit challenge.