Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2017
26. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in the context of the recent announcement by the British Prime Minister which indicates the UK's attitude to Brexit negotiations, he has taken steps to review the impact that such a decision would have on the agrifood industry and especially the beef industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4843/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent announcement by Prime Minister May, while providing some further clarity in relation to the UK approach to the forthcoming negotiations, still leaves considerable uncertainty in relation to the likely course of the exit negotiations and the negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship. As such, the review of the potential impact on the agri-food sector, including the beef sector, that has been conducted by my Department, remains valid, in that it has taken into account the possibility of a so-called ‘hard’ Brexit.
The extent of the East-West and North-South trading relationships, and the fact that the UK is the natural first step for agri-food businesses moving into the exporting arena for the first time, means that the agri-food sector is particularly exposed not only to the more short-term impacts arising from the fall in the value of sterling against the euro, but also to the medium-long term impacts that will arise from changes to the EU-UK trading relationship, to regulations and standards, to origin labelling, to border controls and certification, and to the related areas of veterinary and health certification.
The Government remains very focused on supporting the agri-food industry, and the beef sector, through the challenges ahead. I will continue to consult with the industry as the negotiations develop, and I will continue to press Ireland's case for continued free access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures.
