Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

498. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is confident that recent European Union trade agreements do not unfairly disadvantage Irish farmers by allowing cheaper, lower-standard food imports into the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4600/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The EU has, in recent years, been involved in several FTA negotiations which, in some cases have concluded (such as the EU-New Zealand, EU-Japan, EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and EU-Republic of Korea agreements) and in other cases remain ongoing (such as the EU-Mercosur, EU-Chile and EU-Mexico agreements).

In general, trade agreements are positive in their outcome from an EU and Irish perspective and provide further opportunities to find premium markets around the globe for Ireland's quality food and drinks products.

However, we have always been clear, that trade agreements must defend our most vulnerable sectors and that our farmers’ livelihoods cannot be undermined through weak or ineffective environmental standards in other countries. All imports into the EU must comply with all EU standards, that protect food safety, animal and plant health and animal welfare, as well as EU consumer interests.

The Government will continue to closely monitor ongoing negotiations and ratification processes of FTAs to ensure that EU standards remain central to each agreement and that the interests of Irish agriculture are defended.