BILATERAL trade between Ireland and the UK is worth about €2.4 billion a week, and Donegal Minister Charlie McConalogue has met his UK counterpart to ensure that Brexit issues don’t jeopardise the status quo.
British Secretary of State Steve Barclay is responsible for border controls applying to agri food goods imported to the UK from the EU. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue met with Mr Barclay in London yesterday “to discuss matters of mutual interest” with respect to trade.
“I impressed upon him our mutual interest in ensuring that trade in agri food goods between our two countries functions as effectively as possible, notwithstanding the more complex administrative and control arrangements required as a result of Brexit,” said Minister McConalogue.
“We have agreed that our officials will engage closely to iron out any technical issues that might arise and avoid any unnecessary friction for Irish exporters,” he added.
During his trip, Minister McConalogue welcomed the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive, and acknowledged the effective partnership approach that had led to the restoration of the institutions.
The minister also met business leaders to discuss the current state of Anglo-Irish relations and highlighted a commitment from the Irish Government to enhance cooperation with the UK into the future.
“Brexit has demonstrated that we must continue to invest in the bilateral relationship with the UK to maximise the benefits for both countries. I and the whole Government are fully committed to this,” said Minister McConalogue.
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