Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1662. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which the poultry sector throughout the island of Ireland can expect to retain access to previously established markets in the European Union and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28428/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department is working on expanding market access for beef, sheepmeat, pigmeat, poultry and cooked meats across a range of markets. In tandem, we continue to work to maintain existing markets as well as to simplify certification procedures and improve certification conditions in a number of existing markets. 

For example, in 2016 my Department reached agreement with the veterinary authorities in Singapore to amend the veterinary health certificate for the export of poultry meat in order to allow for the inclusion of poultry hatched and reared in either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, and slaughtered in the Republic of Ireland. This reflects the cross border nature of the poultry business in Ireland.

In 2016 the value of Irish poultry meat exports was estimated at €275 million. Exports to the UK accounted for 84% of exports by value while exports to the rest of the European Union accounted for 8% of exports by value. Exports to third countries accounted for the remaining 8% of exports by value. Therefore it is clear that the poultry sector is one which has an important export outlet in the UK. In all of my engagements with EU counterparts and the EU Negotiating team I have been making clear our demand for continued unfettered access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures, as well as keeping the UK market viable for Irish producers by minimising the risk from UK trade agreements with third countries.

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. My Department is always looking for new market access opportunities which will enhance our options for exports to third countries in the future. The priorities of the industry are assessed through the form of quarterly meetings with relevant stakeholders.