Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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827. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department’s plans for the London agricultural attaché post; if the position will be replaced by a junior administrative officer; and the way in which his Department will ensure that Ireland’s agri-food, fisheries, and all-island trade interests in the UK, will continue to be represented at an appropriate technical level. [61931/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has a network of counsellors and attachés who are seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and based in Irish Embassies and Missions in eleven locations around the world. My Department's diplomatic network work at developing and maintaining relationships with key decision makers, stakeholders and influencers in the country/region of their posting, as well as supporting trade development efforts in local markets, and their roles are continuously reviewed.

The UK remains the most important market for Irish agri-food exports, and we also have significant imports from the UK. There are long established and mutually beneficial trading relationships between food producers in Ireland and food businesses and retailers in the UK.

With regards to the London Embassy, my Department's representation is led at Counsellor (Principal officer) level, with additional posts assigned depending on business needs. My Department continues to have ongoing positive engagement at all levels with UK counterparts.