Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

205. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the trade missions he has planned in 2016 to open new markets for Irish agricultural produce in sectors such as dairy, beef and lamb; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5270/16]

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

The need to open new markets, and to continue to diversify our product offerings to meet the different expectations of consumers around the world, is essential to the future development of the agri-food sector. Trade missions play an important role in this regard, and their use to explore new markets should continue to be optimised so that they facilitate the maximum conversion of new opportunities. I have completed trade missions to markets as diverse as the U.S., the Gulf region and West Africa in recent times, and I am certain that these missions will continue to play a critical role in 2016 and 2017. However, while my Department is well advanced in its consideration of likely destinations, having consulted with stakeholders and with the relevant agencies, I think a final decision should await the formation of the new Government and the appointment of a Minister.