Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that a 60% increase in funding shows the level of importance we are placing on the food and drink industry, which, as the Minister noted, accounts for 11% of our total exports from the country, which is important. Is the Minister satisfied we can maintain many of those UK contracts and suppliers? It is encouraging to hear he will meet key stakeholders in London this evening. Is he satisfied we can retain them or does Brexit pose the risk that some of our agribusiness will lose some of those markets?

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has rolled out new embassies and representations all around the world. Does Bord Bia link in with it and take every opportunity through trade delegations and so on to try to open up those markets?

When Food Wise 2025 was drawn up, we were not familiar with the word "Brexit". Does the strategy remain fit for purpose in the context of Brexit or are changes needed to bring us in line with modern realities?

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