Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Minister. The continuation of an invisible border for Border counties such as Cavan and Monaghan must be of the utmost importance for the Minister and the Government in negotiations. The Minister does not need me to tell him that in 2015 exports of agricultural products from Ireland to the North of Ireland were worth more than €750 million. Imports from Northern Ireland were worth more than €500 million. Milk and milk products are so important for my constituency. More than 800 million litres of milk are imported from the North annually, much of which is processed and exported from the South. Lakeland Dairies is a prime example of a company that has milk processing plants on both sides of the Border. That is an example of the types of industry we have of which we need to be very cognisant to ensure they will be protected to the utmost.

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