Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We discussed this matter the last time the Minister took questions before the vote on Brexit. At that time he outlined some of his efforts to communicate with Northern Ireland farmers and others as his predecessor also did. Unfortunately, from an agriculture perspective we have got the result we did not want. The Minister has outlined some of the very good reasons we did not want it to happen and it will be a challenge for us. There is considerable concern among many farmers and businesspeople in the agriculture and food sector. I ask that those specific agriculture-related concerns are raised when the Taoiseach is meeting various European leaders. It is one of the strongest reasons for us needing special consideration for our position.

The bloodstock industry, which is worth €1.1 billion to our economy, is inextricably linked to the UK in terms of our sales of foals and horses. Any changes to tariffs or borders with implications on trade would have a devastating impact on a bloodstock industry that is worth a huge amount to our economy and employs over 16,000 people. These are the key points that I am sure the Minister and his officials are bearing in mind.

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