Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much agree with Deputy Aird. First, with regard to dairy, that is why, when we were looking at the list of tariffs that may be reactivated by the European Union, specifically in my submission to the European Commission on behalf of the Government I highlighted the dairy concern we had and also the drinks industry concern. On foot of what the Deputy said, I will make sure that in the work programme for the Government trade forum that specific issue around agriculture, agrifood and supply chains is addressed, including the issue of the tillage sector. As I said in my answer, the trade forum as we can imagine is right now most immediately looking at the US-EU trade relationship, but we have made it very clear that it is to look at the totality of Ireland's trading relationship, including ensuring that there is fair trade with regard to any future agreements. My concerns and the concerns of our party and the concerns of Government with regard to Mercosur in its current form are very clear. We made those commitments very clearly to the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, and farmers in advance of the election and they are very clearly expressed in the programme for Government.

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