Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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300. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to press for new markets for the agrifood sector, in view of the imminence of Brexit and potential consequences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12720/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, Minister Doyle and I led Trade Missions to Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore and China in early September 2016. I also led a trade mission to Morocco in early November. During 2016 senior officials also led missions to Iran, Turkey and Algeria.  This was done in co-operation with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland.

Last week I led a Trade Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The mission served to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. I used the opportunity to promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products in the Gulf region.

I am also considering a range of other destinations for the remainder of 2017, although no decision has yet been made in terms of content or timing. Again, markets in Asia, Africa and America are likely to feature prominently in these considerations, and I am of course ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.