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

The UK was the market for almost 40% of our exports in 2017, which is the most recent statistic available, amounting to more than €5 billion worth of products. It should always be our most important market. Much of our efforts since the UK Brexit vote has concerned intensifying our engagement with the UK market and sending a clear signal that we want the closest possible trading relationship. There are hard won yards that we have in UK retail outlets. Among the main supermarket chains with whom I have met personally, there is an awareness that we are here for the long haul. Geography should be a determinant of trade, all other things being equal. That market, which is one of the most valuable in terms of price for primary producers, will, hopefully, remain important. That has been a focus of our endeavour in the negotiations that have been ongoing around Brexit. Nevertheless, market diversification is equally prudent, which is why much of the effort has focused on securing new market opportunities such as beef exports to China.

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