Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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47. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work to date on ensuring market access and developing new markets in view of the impact of Brexit which will have significant ramifications for Irish agri-businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41539/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In the four and half years since the UK voted to withdraw from the EU, my Department has invested more resources and expertise to the pursuit and development of new markets for Ireland's agri-food sector.  However, opening and enhancing access to international markets is typically a lengthy process with negotiations often taking several years before bilateral agreements are concluded and trade can commence. Nonetheless we have made significant progress in diversification of markets. Market access or enhanced access for various products has been achieved with a number  of third countries in this period including USA, China, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Chile, Mexico and Ukraine. 

Ministerial trade missions, in collaboration with Bord Bia and the Irish Embassy network, are important in promoting awareness of Irish agri-food products and supporting meaningful interaction with its growing global customer base. For example, my Department and Bord Bia recently hosted a dairy-focused virtual trade mission to five countries in South East Asia. An innovative aspect of the mission was that it was conducted entirely online. I also participated with Bord Bia and Department officials in business meetings with customers in China, Japan, the USA and the United Arab Emirates.

The Government's continued commitment to new market development is illustrated by the appointment of my colleague, Martin Heydon T.D., as Minister of State with specific responsibility for this area. 

Once a market is opened, my Department and Bord Bia are proactive in supporting industry to capitalise on the potential trade opportunities created to further expand the global footprint of the Irish agri-food sector. 

Further detail on my Department’s initiatives on opening and developing overseas outlets for the agri-food sector can be found in the recently published Market Access Report. The Market Access Portal on my Department's website provides details on the full range of open markets and the relevant certification conditions negotiated with importing countries for a wide range of agri-food product categories.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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48. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will make it clear to his European Union counterparts that any change in quota allocations or access to fishing waters that emerge from the current Brexit negotiations will require an urgent renegotiation of the Common Fisheries Policy to protect the fisheries within Ireland’s exclusive economic zone and to defend Ireland’s seriously threatened fishing interest. [41611/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Fisheries is an extremely important priority for Ireland and the EU as a whole in the negotiations with the UK. We are seeking to protect the interests of the Irish fleet in relation to access conditions, quota shares and the traditional activity of the EU fleet, while insisting that fisheries issues are dealt with as part of an overall trade deal.

Securing an overall future relationship agreement, including the best possible outcome on fisheries, is a priority for Ireland. I and my Government colleagues have repeatedly raised fisheries as a priority for Ireland in all bilateral political contacts and in particular in their meetings with Michel Barnier.  I have used every opportunity to re-enforce fisheries as a national priority.  In particular we, and our EU partners, are very clear that the issue of fisheries cannot be separated from the wider trade negotiations.

The Common Fisheries Policy provides the framework for the long-term conservation and sustainability of fish stocks and is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishing in Irish and throughout EU waters.  The CFP is reviewed every 10 years and the next review is scheduled to be completed by 31st December 2022 when the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the CFP. 

The Commission has advised that it intends to commence the review process when there is clarity on the future relationship of the EU and the UK.  The review is expected to be detailed and comprehensive.   At EU level, it is expected that all stakeholders will have an opportunity to engage actively in the review work including the fishing industry, eNGOs and Member States.  

Ireland will prepare for and participate actively and effectively in the review, including the interaction with stakeholders to prepare Ireland's case and identify priorities.  

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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49. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provisions being considered to address concerns on live export of cattle and sheep in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41629/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Live exports of cattle and sheep to Britain make up a very small proportion of our total live exports - less than 1% of our sheep and 2.4% of our cattle exports have gone to GB this year. My officials have recently received necessary certificates to import animals into the UK - these can be used to facilitate any such trade that will take place.

The UK landbridge is not used by animal transporters. The vast majority of animal exported to mainland Europe are transported via the Rosslare to Cherbourg ferry route.