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

I thank Deputy Cahill for raising this important issue. He will understand, however, that due to it being sub judiceand before a judicial review that I do not want to get into the specifics of the matter. I do not want to prejudice any matter before the courts. In general, however, I understand the concern which the Deputy raises. It is an issue of which I was aware. The importance which the Deputy placed on developing alternative markets for Irish dairy produce is absolutely key. I refer to the title of this Topical Issue matter. The planning system has dealt with this issue, the courts will deal with the judicial review next week, hopefully, and the system will take care of this situation in that regard. We have a clear separation, and it is the right of those who wish to make submissions to do so along the way in respect of such planning matters.

In the broader view, though, I assure the Deputy and the House, as the Minister of State with special responsibility for new market development, of my ambition to develop new markets. That is even more important considering the challenges Brexit is bringing forward for us. We know that Ireland is probably accepted as the most exposed EU member state in respect of Brexit and negative outcomes. No sector is more vulnerable than the agrifood and fishery sector, which comes in under my Department. My responsibility for the area of new market development, therefore, is critically important for the dairy sector, as it is for so many others. That is why the continuance of the policy of market diversification within my Department, in conjunction with Bord Bia, is one on which we have put a big focus. The onset of Covid-19 has created challenges in that regard for us, but it has not stopped us from continuing to push on with virtual trade missions. I refer to the trade mission schedule.

The Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and I are leading dairy-focused virtual trade missions to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam over five dates in November and December. The objective of these trade missions is to advance market opportunities for Irish exporters by showcasing our industry to 250 buyers from markets with combined import demand of more than 2.6 million tonnes of dairy ingredients per annum. These markets serve a total population of 553 million people, many of whom are increasingly urbanised and middle class. This dairy-focused trade mission will see 13 of Ireland's processors and exporters engage in business-to-business meetings with local buyers and distributors, allowing them to market their products and capabilities to a commercial dairy audience.

These markets all feature in Bord Bia's marketing strategy 2019-2021 as a priority. It is forecast that the event will deliver up to 500 new leads for Irish client companies participating. High potential leads will be targeted for follow-up engagement as part of the 2021 Gathering Moments Bord Bia inward buyer event. Even though it is an online event, the ambition of the mission will serve as classical trade missions have in the past. I refer to building understanding, reputation and business. There will also be follow-up from my Department and Bord Bia. The ability of my Department and Bord Bia to do that detailed follow-up, from these new leads, is enhanced by the additional resources allocated for this activity in recent years, including the creation of new agricultural attaché posts in our embassy network and a new division in headquarters dedicated to international trade. Additional funding of €4 million was also secured in the recent budget for Bord Bia to help it in the important work being done to develop our dairy industry.

I take on board the concerns raised by the Deputy on that specific point, which is before the courts. The Deputy can be assured of my determination and that of my Department to continue to drive new market development for the dairy sector.

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