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

On another issue which, again, is one of our concerns, I understand the Irish authorities have been making intensive efforts to try to agree to certification which would potentially open the lucrative Ukrainian market to Irish beef, pork and dairy products. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is considering draft veterinary certificates which would allow the export of these products to Ukraine. Obviously, they would have to meet the requirements of Ukraine's deep and comprehensive free trade area agreement with the European Union. As Mrs. Shaloput will be aware, our farming practices are of a very high standard, while our food processing is of an exceptionally high standard. As a country, we export food products to something like 171 countries. If Mrs. Shaloput could bring back the message to her government that, as a country, we would like to see those negotiations reach an agreement on certification for the export of Irish beef, pork and dairy products, we would appreciate it. We need to expand our markets. Our industry is very proactive, modern and progressive and Mrs. Shaloput can be assured that Irish products exported would meet all necessary standards and requirements. If we could see some progress on the Ukrainian side, it would be appreciated by the industry here which faces particular challenges owing to Brexit, particularly in the agrifood sector. It is a time for us to try to expand existing markets and to identify and open up new markets. We would appreciate it if Mrs. Shaloput could bring back a strong message from this committee to her parent department and the government authorities.

I thank the Chairman.