Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There were two elements to Deputy Smith's supplementary. First, as he will be aware, the current sanctions are having an impact and, as I stated, they remain the key element of the European Union's approach to the crisis. We have always stated that Ireland believes restrictive measures are scalable, in both directions. They can be strengthened or eased depending on developments on the ground and progress towards the objective set out by the Union when we put the existing measures in place. It is vital that unity and consistency remains a part of the response to the crisis from the European Union to Ukraine. It is important we remain resolute and united in our strategic approach to Ukraine and in our efforts to create the conditions that can lead to a peaceful crisis.

With respect to pigmeat, as Deputy Smith will be aware, there have been continued efforts, and some successes, in opening new markets in that regard. Russia remains a major strategic market for Irish dairy produce. Regarding the impact on beef exports, there has been no clearly discernible impact on prices in the Europe Union - in fact, with them strengthening - but we are aware of the difficulties being caused to many Irish food exports due to the retaliatory sanctions imposed on us by Russia.

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