Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am acutely aware, because I meet these processors and agricultural people on a lot of occasions, that in the horticultural sector, it is the height of the season for strawberries. There is a limited season for these things. It is important that we have the labour force to be able to supply strawberries.

The review covers all aspects of the current employment permit system with the principle objective of considering a policy rationale for employment permit systems when the economy is growing and the labour market is tightening, as evidenced in the agrifood sector. In the context of Brexit, the agrifood sector is extremely important given the fact that nearly 37% of our exports go to the UK. It is important we are competitive, that we have lean operations and that we have the necessary labour force in place to ensure we are at the top of the class in what has traditionally been a great source of trade for us particularly with our exports.

We produce enough of food for 35 million people when we have a population of 5 million so we have to export that food. It is important we produce it in the best possible way. I hope we will have more positive news on it for the Senator before the end of the month. It is important that when the review is completed we will let Members of the Oireachtas and the Senator know, given his particular interest in this area.