Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2017
58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent of exploration to date of alternative markets for Irish food and food products throughout the EU and globally with particular regard to the need to make alternative arrangements with the onset of Brexit; the extent to which it seems likely to bridge the gap arising from the UK exit from the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47093/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe identification of alternative markets for Irish food and food products within the EU and elsewhere has been a key priority for me and my Department and we have renewed our efforts in this regard against the background of Brexit.
The task requires a focused effort on attracting new economically viable markets and, while our record to date has been very impressive, we have to raise the bar even further. We are, however, fortunate in that we have an excellent industry-led strategy for the growth of the sector in Food Wise 2025 which provides a clear road-map for its development.
Last April I set out a seven point plan which was aimed at increasing international market access for Irish food and drink exports. The plan is being implemented by my Department, with significant input from Bord Bia and Irish Embassies around the world, in order to help increase the footprint of our food and drink exports.
Ireland has been proactive in addressing market access issues, so that markets are open when demand factors align in our favour. For example, in 2017 Ireland hosted inspection visits from Chinese, US and South Korean authorities. There have also been a number of notable market access successes in recent years:
- Ireland was the first EU country to gain access to the US market for beef in 2014;
- Ireland has agreed a beef protocol with China and is working through the final stages of access with Chinese authorities;
- For meat sectors in 2017 alone, access has been granted or trade conditions simplified in Egypt, Namibia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Singapore, Israel, and Chile.
The Department is continuing to work with competent authorities in many other third countries on beef, sheepmeat, pigmeat, seafood and poultry access issues.
Later this week I will lead a Trade Mission to South East Asia, this time to Japan and the Republic of Korea where I hope to deepen trade ties and develop new market opportunities. This follows on from earlier trade missions to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Feb/March, and to the USA and Mexico last June. In addition, over the past two years I have led trade missions to China, Singapore, the Gulf States and Morocco. Minister of State Doyle has led missions to Vietnam and South Korea, and departmental officials have led missions to Iran, Algeria and Turkey.
The UK will continue to be a vital market outlet for our industry, and with that in mind, I have met with the CEOs of the major UK retailers to impress upon them Ireland's continued commitment to meeting the requirements of UK retailers and consumers.
I am keenly aware of the need to ensure that adequate market opportunities continue to exist for our agrifood products after the UK exit the EU and I wish to assure the House that I, my Department and our Agencies will continue to do everything necessary to ensure that this is so.
