Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2017
471. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he can assist those exporters in the food sector that have been negatively affected by issues associated with Brexit with particular reference to access to the UK market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41940/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no doubt that Brexit poses enormous challenges for the agri food sector by virtue of its reliance on the UK market. The most immediate challenge has been the impact caused by the significant drop in the value of sterling against the euro, and I fully understand and appreciate the impact this is having on the agrifood sector.
The sector is of critical importance to our economy given its regional spread and the fact that it underpins the socio-economic development of rural areas in particular. I am determined to safeguard its interests.
In order to assist those exporters who have strong trading relationships in the UK I have actively supported Bord Bia, our food marketing agency, in their marketing strategy. I have done this by allocating €3.6 million to them in the last Budget for market work in 2016 and 2017 and more recently by allocating a further €6.7 million to support a market prioritisation exercise and a range of strategic marketing and promotion activities.
It is critical at this time to work toward reducing our dependence on UK markets for our agri products, while at the same time retaining our market share in the UK.
In order to retain the hard won markets within the UK, I have met with the CEOs of the major UK retailers to impress upon them the value of their trade to the Irish agrifood sector. Next month, I will lead a further Trade Mission to South East Asia, this time to Japan and the Republic of Korea where I, along with Bord Bia, hope to enhance existing markets and develop new markets.
However, the scale of the difficulties being created by the current period of exchange volatility requires that other approaches be considered. Accordingly, will be keeping developments under close review and adapting State-support mechanisms as necessary.
