Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1660. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he and his Department continue to seek out new markets for beef, lamb and pig meat incorporating the use of the island of Ireland as single entity thus enabling the farming community, North and South, to have continued access to previously established markets without restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28426/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade.

There is significant potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. We must also exploit any potential for growth in more mature markets and our efforts in relation to both of these objectives are all the more important given the decision of the UK to leave the EU. 

In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, Minister Doyle and I led trade missions to China, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea in September 2016, Morocco in November 2016 and to the Gulf Region in 2017. In addition missions at senior official level have included Algeria, Iran and Turkey.  I also hosted a number of high level visits from countries outside of the EU including the Chinese Minister for Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, and most recently a technical delegation from South Korea. 

Discussions with these and other third countries take place on a Government to Government basis, and therefore between the competent authorities in this State and those in the relevant third country.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1661. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which the mushroom growing sector, North and South, can expect to rely on continued access to all previously established markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28427/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The mushroom sector is heavily dependent on the UK market with approximately 85% of Irish mushrooms destined for that market each year.  Irish mushrooms account for approximately one third of all mushrooms consumed in the UK. 

Access arrangements for the UK market post-Brexit will depend on the outcome of the UK’s Brexit negotiations with the EU.  During these negotiations the Irish Government’s position will be to seek to minimise the impact of Brexit on existing trade for all Irish exports including mushrooms.

In addition my Department will ensure Bord Bia is provided with the necessary funds to support promotion of Irish food and drink on all markets.  Indeed Bord Bia is currently engaged in a mushroom industry co-funded promotion campaign on the Irish and UK markets.  This is designed to maintain the momentum achieved over the recent EU co-funded mushroom promotion campaigns.