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

The offer of 28 September last year contained a quota of 35,000 tonnes of fresh beef, including an unspecified quantity of high quality beef, phased in over six years at an in-quota rate of 7.5%, as well as 35,000 tonnes of frozen beef, again over six years at 7.5%, with an unspecified amount of this to be dedicated to further processing. I share the Deputy's concern. We are not happy with the 70,000 tonnes that has been offered. The Deputy makes the point about Brexit and the Commission's cumulative impact assessment, which are significant indicators of the problem this would create in the European beef market. It is a static, if marginally increasing, market in terms of consumption levels. We have been working assiduously with like-minded member states on this and the French are the most important ally we have in this context.

It is true to say there are very significant other forces across the European Union favouring a deal and which would willingly trade beef access for access to other agricultural or industrial products. It is a real battle. I have been in contact with Commissioners Hogan and Malmström and I have spoken with the French Minister on a number of occasions about the matter. It is a real cause of concern.

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