Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We need to ensure that is the case. It has not always been the case in the past that the same attention has been paid to the requirements and the oversight of what is coming in compared to what we do within our own borders. With regard to trade deals, which are being renewed or are being initiated for the first time, that question has to be to the forefront. The standards have to be the same. We have to be assured that those standards are being met and fulfilled with regard to how these products are being produced. Safeguards must be sought in that regard. It is an important principle particularly in terms of putting more of a focus on how we go about reducing emissions and the challenges that can bring in the steps that need to be taken in producing food. Other countries need to be doing the same and we need to apply that. We all have to work together to ensure progress is being made. We should require the same of those who trade with us that we require of ourselves with regard to how we carry out our business.

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