Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am encouraged to hear the Tánaiste's response in respect of the clear shift in the global approach to trade following the change of administration in the USA, especially the opportunities presented by a closer trading relationship between the EU and the US. We should acknowledge that the EU member state set to proportionately benefit the most from a closer trading and investment relationship is, of course, Ireland. It is good to see the WTO put back at the heart of global trade. It is vital for a rules-based democracy like Ireland and a rules-based union like the European Union.

Is it possible to give an update on negotiations or pre-negotiations between the EU and other third party countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia? I fundamentally believe those markets provide great opportunities for Irish exporters, especially in the wake of Brexit.

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