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

I alluded earlier to how it will happen but may not have adequately finished the point, when speaking about the market access we have to other countries. A delegation from China will visit here with a view to approving our systems. In reciprocal trade agreements, the Food and Veterinary Office, FVO, approves establishment for export and, subsequently at border inspection posts, the product is subject to routine checks that are risk related in respect of the inspection regime. In the context of the opportunity that exists for us, we need to ensure, in consultation with bodies such as the FVO and the European Food Safety Authority, that we construct a legal text that will protect our farmers, level the playing pitch and protect European consumers from substandard products. That is the opportunity for us.

Nobody needs reminding or a lecture on the Brazilian Government's approach to the environment, which is well known. Deputy Boyd Barrett, along with many others, has outlined the offensive nature of much of what happens there and which passes for normal. We have an opportunity to ensure that we protect our industry, citizens and consumers throughout Europe from the dangers associated with that kind of a regime, in respect of environmental standards, human rights standards, animal production standards and veterinary medicines, to level the playing field in the negotiations. As a member of the EU, we will use the same processes that have been used against the EU, such as for the visit of the Chinese delegation. We can use that kind of process to ensure that produce will not arrive here that does not adhere to those rules. That is why I see the opportunity, in the environmental chapter in particular, but elsewhere also for beef, to ensure we will protect our beef industry. As I said earlier and have repeated ad nauseam, we will be able to thwart the ambition of others. If countries do not meet the terms and conditions, the deal will be dead and their product will not be allowed to get in here.

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