Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the efforts that are being made in sourcing new markets and we have come a long way since we were a neocolonial economy dependent so much on Britain. Those efforts need to be further intensified. For example, if there is one positive for us to come out of the current situation it the exports to the US, which is a market of great importance for us. It is something on which I would encourage the Minister of State to maintain his efforts.

The sooner we can have closure and certainty on the protocol and Brexit, the better for everyone in business, in particular, for our farmers, who are so exposed. I encourage both Ministers to continue the good work with the Department of Foreign Affairs, as that co-operation is very important in resolving this matter once and for all. We would rather not have to deal with this at all but we have to deal with reality, and this is something that needs to be concluded as soon as we can.

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