Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

108. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that ongoing trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States of America do not militate against the agrifood sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19133/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

113. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he remains satisfied that Irish food exports will not be detrimentally affected by the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19138/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 113 together.

I believe that a successful conclusion of the trade negotiations between the EU and US for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will be good for the Irish agri-food sector and will increase our exports.

Ireland has strong offensive interests in these trade negotiations, particularly in the agri-food sector. We are seeking greater market access for dairy products both in terms of tariff reductions and removal of regulatory barriers. Key exports would be branded packaged butter, powdered products and sports products. We are also interested in meats – both beef and pork – and in opening the US market to Irish lamb. The expectation in the past was of a limited opportunity or niche market for exports of beef to the US. However, because of the recent higher prices in the US, the US market will become more attractive for other lower value beef cuts. Consumer foods are also a potential area for growth, particularly porridge oats.

Of course, on beef, we have defensive interests as well although our defensive interests are tempered by recent developments in US prices and our gaining of access to the US market for Irish beef. Nevertheless it is important that any quota granted to the US does not undermine the absorption capacity of the EU. Furthermore, any quota agreed with the US would need to be matched with a quid pro quoquota for EU beef in the US. Ireland would be well placed to benefit from such a quota, with our first mover advantage on the US market.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

110. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the most modern laboratory facilities remain available to the agrifood business at Backweston, Celbridge, County Kildare, or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19135/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The facilities at the central laboratory complex in Backweston and at regional laboratories are capable of meeting the vast majority of my Department’s analytical and diagnostic requirements. While DAFM Laboratories have the capability to carry out most of the tests in these areas, for cost efficient reasons, some low volume, highly specialised reference test methods that are periodically required are still outsourced to specialist centres. Examples of the type of tests still outsourced are the phage typing of bacteria and some confirmatory tests for toxins and chemical contaminants. Amelioration works in one area, the category 4 containment laboratories, are in progress with a view to bringing that laboratory into operation. The tendering process has been completed and the main building works are expected to get under way within the next few weeks. This will provide my Department with the additional containment facilities necessary to undertake testing for the presence of exotic animal diseases that may be introduced into Ireland.