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

I thank the Deputy who has referred to a number of threats to Irish farmers, but there is also a good news story for Irish agriculture. We are seeing Irish beef entering the Chinese market after years of laying the foundations. We have seen a series of new trade deals signed up to by the European Union that are very positive for Irish agriculture. For example, the opportunities for the dairy industry in Mexico are significant. The opportunities in Canada and Japan are also significant. The Chinese market will play a significant and increasing role for the Irish beef industry in seeking new markets. Many good things are happening, but, as always in agriculture which is such a huge part of the economy, there are threats to which we need to respond as a Government in a comprehensive way.

On Brexit, agriculture and the agrifood industry are big parts of our bilateral discussions with the United Kingdom - I am travelling to London this afternoon - and also our work through the Barnier task force. Mr. Barnier was in Ireland on Monday and Northern Ireland on Tuesday. Much of his focus was on agrifood in the context of maintaining and supporting a functioning all-island economy, as well as a future close relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom, particularly in sensitive sectors such as agriculture.

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