Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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56. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that agri-food imports into this country from whatever source are only allowed from countries adhering to similar carbon reduction measures that apply in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25748/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland exports almost 90% of its agri-food produce annually to over 170 countries and in 2023, these exports were valued at €18.28 billion.

At EU level, this means operating to common rules under the Single Market and globally the WTO sets the rules on matters of international trade.

The rules to be applied, including in Ireland, therefore operate to over-arching frameworks. Ireland cannot unilaterally impose conditions to products coming into the country outside these legal frameworks.

Agri-food imports are of course subject to a range of requirements that must be met when entering the EU single market. The EU manages trade relations with third countries in the form of trade agreements. They are designed to create better trading opportunities and overcome related barriers. The EU's trade policy is also used as a vehicle for the promotion of European principles and values, from democracy and human rights to environment and social rights.

Recent EU Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and FTA negotiations contain sustainability chapters. New EU FTAs provide an opportunity to address the threats associated with climate change through the inclusion of detailed chapters on Trade and Sustainable Development. Such chapters include provisions which underscore the importance of implementing the provisions of the Paris Agreement and promote the positive contribution that trade can make on the pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the EU FTA with New Zealand, which reached political agreement in June 2022, includes a Trade and Sustainability Chapter which is aligned to the EU’s new “Trade Agreements for Green and Just Growth” approach. This allows for stronger and more enforceable sustainability commitments and a specific list of green goods and services liberalised from the first day of application of the agreement.

I am satisfied therefore that the balance of trade on agri-food products is one which favours the Irish agri-food sector. Maintaining access to international markets and operating to a rules-based framework for this trade ensures that safe and sustainable premium produce originating from Irish farmers and processors will continue to command a premium position on global markets.