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Brexit Preparations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Ceisteanna (37)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of access to alternative markets for Irish food and food products post Brexit in all circumstances; if sufficient provision has been made to ensure Irish exporters can access alternative markets quickly and efficiently bypassing the UK if necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33502/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí ó Béal (6 píosaí cainte)

The purpose of this question is to ascertain the degree of preparedness as we approach 1 January for access to the continental and worldwide markets for Irish products.

I thank Deputy Durkan for the question. There are two parts to this issue. The first is increasing third country market access and furthering trade opportunities. This is absolutely critical and is an integral part of my Department's response to the challenges of Brexit. My Department has been very active in this regard through trade missions and leveraging our network of agricultural attachés around the globe, which have been recently expanded to include a presence in Berlin, Tokyo, Mexico City and, most recently, Seoul, South Korea. We continue to avail of every resource in furthering market access and trade advancement. The Government's commitment to new market access for the agri-food sector has been proven by my appointment with specific responsibility in this regard as a Ministry of State for new market development.

Ireland's agri-food exports have greatly increased in recent years. Total exports came to a value of €14.5 billion in 2019, an increase of 6% over 2018. Half of this growth has been accounted for by markets outside of Europe. This is a testament to the great work that has been done through Food Harvest 2020, initially, then Food Wise 2025, the ten-year strategic plans for the sustainable growth of our agri-food and drink exports. Work is at an advanced stage in times of a new agri-food strategy for 2030, which will be published in the near future.

On the practical and immediate issue of bypassing the UK to continue to access markets, I recognise the UK land bridge is of huge importance in accessing the EU Single Market and we may see severe delays in its operation after the ending of the transition period. However, goods moving directly between Ireland and elsewhere in the EU will not be subject to any new procedures. Therefore, I urge traders currently using the UK land bridge to consider direct sailing as an alternative. Ferry operators have indicated that capacity is available on direct routes. This is also the view of the Department of Transport and the Irish Maritime Development Office and I encourage early engagement between all parties, traders, hauliers and ferry companies to discuss their needs and options.

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. Can I further inquire as to whether absolute plans are in place to bypass the UK itself in the event of there being no deal? The breakout from the EU could have more serious consequences for this country than we think at the present time. What has been put in place to address that issue? Are we prepared for both options, deal or no deal?

As the Deputy will be aware, successive Governments and Departments have been preparing for every eventuality in regard to Brexit since before it was voted on by the British people, none more so than the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. We are extremely exposed, whether in respect of fisheries or the beef sector, and we face challenges in that regard.

The UK land bridge is one tangible example that is critical to us in terms of movement. A recent meat survey showed that 90% of our meat produce goes to the UK via land bridge. There are extensive plans. It is important to get the message out to people, including everybody in the agri-food sector and exporters, that even if there is a deal, the circumstances will change on 1 January. A no-trade deal would pose significant challenges for us. We are trying to cover every eventuality in that regard.

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. In his opinion and that of his Department, does he think adequate provision has been made to avoid a touchdown in the UK in the event that long queues or delays take place? That could make Irish products uncompetitive on UK or world markets, assuming the UK market will still be open. Are they satisfied that the necessary measures have been put in place to bypass the UK and deliver our goods to the Continent directly?

There has been extensive engagement with all stakeholders in this regard. We are doing all the work we can. It is important that those who export engage with ferry companies, which have said direct ferry sailings options are available. My Department has been very active in encouraging all such elements.

There has been significant co-operation with the Department of Transport because of the issues that would arise. Following the end of the transition period, goods moving across the UK land bridge must be placed under customs transit procedures to maintain their Union status, as the Deputy will be aware. The Commission's delegated regulation requires that official controls and checks be performed on animals and goods re-entering the Union if they go through the UK land bridge. This means that, regardless of the measures that have been taken, it is highly likely that traffic using the land bridge will be impacted by delays at key ports immediately after the end of the transition period. Every effort is being made to avoid a no-trade deal. If those scenarios arise, we are preparing for every eventuality.

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