Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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2477. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the discussions that are taking place with the UK authorities to ensure the ending of the Brexit transition period particularly in relation to SPS requirements on the UK side will not impact adversely on Irish agriculture and food production; if any of these discussions are taking place on a bilateral basis or if all of the meetings are being conducted through the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18877/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The UK is now operating outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union, and we are trading with the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) as we do with other non-EU countries.

The UK Government sets its own import policy, and has revised its timelines for the introduction of new controls on imports from the EU. The next phase of these controls comes into effect from 1st October 2021. This will impact on Irish exporters of products of animal origin, including, for example, meat, dairy, fish and composite products. Export certificates will be required to accompany these export consignments together with pre-notification to the UK authorities.

My Department has invested significantly in developing our IT systems to process documentation post-Brexit. Health certification will be provided through the Department’s existing systems - systems that have been specifically developed for Brexit - and through the EU Trade Control And Expert System (TRACES).

Ongoing consultation and communications are taking place with the industry in order to enhance its readiness. Nevertheless, seamless trade with Great Britain is no longer possible, and impacts such as delays, additional costs and, potentially, adjustments to supply chains, are unavoidable.

Bilateral engagement continues at technical level between my Department and the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in order to clarify UK import requirements so that arrangements are in place to provide the necessary certification. EU-UK engagement is also taking place through relevant EU fora, as necessary, for example through the EU SPS Market Access Working Group, and in the context of the governance structures established under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.