Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland has specific concerns relating to beef. We are the largest beef exporter in the northern hemisphere. The EU's market for beef is crucial for us in the future. Any trade deal negotiated and finalised by the EU is one we are watching closely. No final deal has been agreed to my understanding. Ireland and other countries, particularly France, have raised concerns about the sensitive issue of beef. The way in which the EU handles trade is that the Commission has the mandate to negotiate, but that negotiating mandate is determined by member states. Ireland and France have continuously raised concerns that, if a deal is to be done, beef access needs to be part of that.

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