Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My party has always been pro-trade. We will continue to be in favour of the positive impact that trade deals can have. It is important that every trade deal is balanced and fair across the various countries. Ireland is the largest beef exporter in the EU and the fifth largest beef exporter in the world. The beef, poultry and pigmeat sectors, and agriculture in general, are being asked to carry the burden of this deal in order that other sectors of the economy can benefit. From an Irish point of view, this deal is not well-weighted, fair or in our interests. The Government has failed politically, particularly when one considers that the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development is an Irishman. He has overseen the drawing up of a deal that will result in 99,000 tonnes of beef, 180,000 tonnes of poultry and 25,000 tonnes of pigmeat being imported into the EU. We know that 55% of the 99,000 tonnes of beef that will be imported will be frozen beef and 45% of it will be fresh beef. Will the Ministers, Deputies Humphreys and Creed, confirm that the 99,000 tonnes of beef can be made up of steak cuts? The Hilton quota of 47,000 tonnes previously attracted a tariff rate of 20%. Under this agreement, it will attract a tariff rate of 0%. Can the Ministers confirm when it is intended that the 47,000 tonnes in question will drop to the 0% rate, if this deal goes through?

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