Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman and join him in welcoming the IFA president and his colleagues to the meeting. I compliment Mr. Bryan on his positive and wide-ranging contribution on the importance of the agrifood industry to our economy overall. In his concluding comments the IFA president remarked that Europe demands very high standards. We have those standards in this country and that is the reason we export food to almost 170 countries. That comes at a cost to the individual farmer in terms of the cost of production. Over the years farmers and the State have invested heavily in reaching those standards, whether in on-farm facilities, genetics, breeding, dietary requirements of our herd and so on. All of that research and development innovation by the food industry has paid off to the point where we are continuing to grow exports, which is very welcome. Something that has often been ignored over the years is that the smart economy has been working in the food industry and on our farms for many years. That is the reason we have achieved those very high standards.

I have some questions on the proposed bilateral deals, an issue we discussed here previously. Bilateral deals can be acceptable but we would be better off if we had a balanced and fair completion of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Doha Round. That is not easy to achieve, and it is an area that does not appear to come within the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs, but appears to be still with the Minister, Deputy Bruton. It might be better if we had some direct work, along with colleagues in other parliaments in Europe, on those particular trade issues.

The IFA president made a strong statement on trade Commissioner Karel oe Gucht. That commissionership always seems to be held by somebody who poses particular difficulties for us. I recall dealing with Mr. Mandelson when he was trade Commissioner and it was never easy then either. Mr. Bryan's remarks, and the personalities involved do not come into it, were very strong and I am sure they are well-based.

Considerable fears arise in the comments he made regarding possible deals with the United States and Canada which would have major implications if, as has been flagged, they came into effect with regard to our beef industry in particular. That has to be a serious concern for us. Mr. Bryan's organisation works very well with sister organisations throughout Europe. Is the IFA working with sister organisations in like-minded countries that have concerns also? Is that happening at official and political level also with regard to protecting our particular interest when it comes to possible US or Canadian deals?

With regard to Mercosur, Mr. Bryan rightly stated it has not yet achieved the equivalent standards. There would be a slight division, so to speak, from my understanding of the food industry here regarding the potential for a Mercosur deal. The drinks industry and the dairy people would be much more favourably disposed rather than the livestock or the beef sector in particular. Mr. Bryan flagged for us the potential downside to the US or the Canadian deal and it is an issue we must keep on our agenda.

I thank Mr. Bryan for his very positive contribution. In his organisation's work with sister organisations in Europe he never loses the opportunity to promote vigorously our strong industry and assist the beef, dairy or whatever sectors to grow their export markets. That is to be welcomed.