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

That is why in the context of Brexit, the preferred solution is approval of the withdrawal agreement and in the interim, the negotiation of a free trade agreement with the UK which will protect access to our market. I am not sure whether the Deputy is arguing for a trade agreement that would not have an environmental element or protection of human rights or international labour law components. If that is his view of what a trade agreement should be like, it seems to be at variance with his global vision, which I share and I believe there is the opportunity now to use those things to our advantage. In the context of the Deputy's observations about air miles and transport, we export our produce to 180 countries. We do it to prime markets because our product is recognised as of high quality but we are a global player in 180 countries, exporting a top-quality product, sustainably produced. We want to make sure that what we consider in a trade agreement is that it is legally fair trade, not just free trade.

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