Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to examine the forthcoming UK import controls. As the Minister outlined, from next Wednesday, 31 January, new requirements will be in place for agrifood businesses exporting to Great Britain. Unfortunately, these changes are a further outcome and certainly a reminder of Brexit.

Over one third of Irish exports go to the UK and the UK remains the largest single destination for Irish food, drink and horticultural exports. The new UK import control requirements will create significant change in the trading environment for Irish agrifood exports. As the UK continues and will continue to be an import market for Irish exports, a smooth transition to these new requirements will be very important for Ireland. It is important that all businesses in the agrifood supply chain to Great Britain continue to engage with their UK customers, their local supervisory authority and logistical providers to confirm appropriate processes are in place. Thankfully, given the status of the North, the new UK requirements do not apply to goods moving between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

It will be recalled that during the period from Ireland's independence to Ireland's entry into the EEC, the State was economically dependent on exports to the UK. The European Common Market opened further opportunities for Irish firms to diversify across the European Union. However, the UK remains the destination for over one third of Irish exports and is the single largest destination for Irish food, drink and agri exports. The UK accounts for 47% of Irish beef exports with an estimated value of €1.3 billion while dairy exports to the UK were valued at €1.1 billion in 2023. Approximately 26% of our sheep meat goes to the UK. The UK was one of the biggest markets for our drinks sector in 2023, with Irish whiskey exports to the UK totalling €65 million, representing a 38% increase on 2022. Exports of beer to the UK rose by 26%. The UK was the key export market for cider, accounting for 90% of overall exports. The UK was a key growth market for gin, with Irish exports growing by 82% and reaching a value of €3 million. These exports support thousands of Irish jobs and families and it is critical that the new regulations do not unduly affect trade.

The new regulations are being introduced as part of the UK's border target operating model. It should be noted that these changes have been delayed twice but they will now come into effect from Wednesday, 31 January 2024. It is understood that the physical checks at the border control posts of goods entering Great Britain from the Republic of Ireland will not begin until 31 October 2024 at the earliest, although this date has not yet been confirmed.

These new rules will impact traders exporting goods to Great Britain or via the UK land bridge to the rest of the European Union. These UK rules will be in addition to the existing formalities that apply when exporting goods from the EU. The three important UK changes that will apply to traders are pre-notification requirements for live animals, animal products and high- and medium-risk category plant products; full custom controls; and health certification on medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin. The UK requirements do not apply to goods moving across the island of Ireland. I welcome comments from the Minister and officials that they are confident medium to large firms are generally well prepared. On that note I commend the Department, and indeed several Departments, on the preparations they have put in place to try to notify businesses of the impacts, changes and the changing environment of trading between Ireland and the UK. However, the concern is about getting the word out and raising awareness for smaller retailers and traders who may not have in-house specialist advice. Like other speakers I encourage them to visit gov.iewhere comprehensive information on the UK import arrangements is available. It is also critical that they engage with all stakeholders in their logistics chain. I especially thank the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and his officials for their efforts to raise awareness of these changes and for their continued work to ensure a smooth continuation of Irish trade with the UK.

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