Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has a positive trading relationship with China which has grown significantly in recent years. In 2018 and 2019, China was the fifth largest market for Irish agri-exports. According to the latest trade statistics from the CSO, the total value of agri-exports to China between January and August 2020 was over €586 million. In the same period, beef exports of 14,590 tonnes were worth almost €48 million.

With regard to a possible agreement on sheepmeat exports, my Department, in cooperation with the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, continues to pursue the finalisation of a bilateral protocol with the Chinese authorities. However, the precise timeframe for signing the protocol and granting market access is ultimately a matter for the importing country.

As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine I have had one meeting to date with the Chinese Ambassador on 30 September, also attended by my colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon, T.D. and Department officials. During the meeting, I highlighted the growing strength of the agri-food trade between Ireland and China in recent years. We discussed the potential for expanding economic cooperation, through ongoing dialogue and the importance of a collaborative approach in dealing with trade-sensitive issues.