William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Most of the questions that are going to be asked will be the same in any event. I welcome the Commissioner and his adviser. With my other hat, I milk cows for a living so I produce milk. I would love if the Commissioner could taste our milk before he leaves the country. We have the best milk in the European Union; there is no question about that.

On agricultural trade and protections with regard to the impact of trade deals such as Mercosur, the EU-UK agreement and US tariff policies on Irish agriculture, how does the Commissioner intend to ensure any future trade agreements will include robust protection for the EU and Irish farm sectors such as enforcement safeguards, adjustment supports and market access limits?

On trade security, supply chain resilience and agricultural inputs, I know the Commissioner has a remit over economic security and trade. What concrete measures is the Commission taking to strengthen the supply chain resilience of key agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, crop protection chemicals, feed and energy to shield EU farmers from external shocks and geopolitical disruptions which we have already seen to date?

On customs reform, border friction and post-Brexit deal facilitation, I understand the Commissioner is leading efforts on a modern EU customs regime under the new customs authority. In the context of Ireland's dual trade across the EU land bridge and trade across the Border North and South, what steps will he take to simplify customs procedures or reduce friction? How will he ensure such reforms do not disadvantage Irish exporters in practice?

On sustainability, trade policy and farm income, how does the Commissioner see us meeting European Green Deal and sustainability ambitions, such as emissions reductions, biodiversity and deforestation, while at the same time guaranteeing that Irish and EU farmers maintain viable incomes and competitiveness in the global market? In particular, will he support compensation or incentives for farming systems that deliver enhanced environmental goods but face higher costs on a lower yield, as in this country?

On institutional transparency, stakeholder access and the Irish voice, I understand Mr. Šefovi is also Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, alongside his role in trade. How does he propose to strengthen transparency and stakeholder engagement in the trade negotiations process, such as by giving national parliaments, Oireachtas committees or farming organisations earlier sight of texts or impact assessments? How will he ensure smaller member states like Ireland have an effective voice in the whole process? I thank the Commissioner.