Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)
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I thank the Minister for his presentation. I am one of the excited ones with an ulterior motive because I have been exporting to the United States, including all 50 states, for 12 years. There have been ups and downs and some great success. Some 30% of our revenue is now coming from the United States. There are many learnings; I could write a book and have many scars to show, as one can see from my appearance. We have dealt with Starbucks, United Airlines and many multiples. The chocolates were quite easy although the tariffs are quite onerous. There is a level playing field between the Belgians, French and the rest of us.

I have a few questions for the Minister about the dairy sector. After three years of red tape and bureaucracy, we have just got our dairy desserts into the United States, although into bonded warehouses because they are going onto airlines. I am excited for my workforce because I can see an easing of opportunities. I wonder what the timeline is for TTIP?

Does the Minister have plans to increase the numbers and knowledge bank of his Enterprise Ireland workforce to meaningfully put people in place in the United States? It is an absolute monster to take on for an SME, so we really need knowledge on the ground, as well as chiefs and Indians all over the place. It is never too early to start laying the turf.

As regards the beef sector, I see it as an opportunity between orange and green. With grass-fed livestock we can punch above our weight and maybe even obtain a premium. As the Americans evolve they are crazy about grass-fed beef products, which they lack to some extent. I would like to hear more from the Minister about our grass-fed dairy sector, including the exact value-added opportunities now that quotas have gone. How quickly can our farmers have a vision to look forward to?

Some 80% of foodstocks in the US contain GMOs, but I am not a fan of them. I do not want our children eating genetically modified products. The Minister has given us comfort on GMOs but what does he think about GMO foodstuffs coming in here?