Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am extremely concerned about the fact that a post-Brexit scenario, in which the UK can unilaterally conduct its own trade negotiations, could lead to the UK doing a deal with the Mercosur countries or other countries in respect of imports of a range of commodities, including beef, which could have the impact of undermining our position on UK supermarket shelves. One of the messages on which we wanted to reassure our trading partners in the UK in particular was our commitment to the highest standards of safe, sustainable, traceable food. That commitment is undiminished by the fact that we may go in separate directions after the Brexit negotiations. This brings into sharp focus the points the Deputy raised about Mercosur.

Regarding additional resources for Bord Bia, in the budget this year there is provision for a significantly increased budget for Bord Bia. I am acutely conscious of the challenges it faces, in particular the immediate challenges in the context of the sterling differential, which has put Irish exporters in a very difficult situation. Nowhere has this become more manifest than in the mushroom and wider horticulture sectors. This informed my deliberations in the context of the budget as to what resources each organisation should get.

I take this opportunity to commend the outgoing CEO of Bord Bia, Aidan Cotter, who has led the organisation in sterling fashion since his appointment, and to wish the incoming CEO, Tara McCarthy, all the best in her appointment in what is a very challenging environment for the agrifood sector.

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