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

I outlined in my initial response the efforts that have been made and that a very close focus has been kept on this in my Department as to the impact this could have here and the need to protect the interests of farm families. The business model of our farm families in this country is very much dependent on the fact we are a small, open nation that exports 90% of the food and drink we produce here. Therefore, as an exporting nation, trade deals are very important. In respect of our place in Europe, it is the case we benefit greatly from the trade deals Europe has undertaken across a number of countries.

If the Deputy is to look at the discussion we were having in the previous question around moving away to new markets through diversification, all those trade deals matter. In respect of these deals, we will look at the sensitivities in these areas and we will protect farmers interests in that regard, but there are a number of offensive benefits to such trade deals as well for our sectors.

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