Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Simon Coveney has welcomed news that the European Commission is on track to clear "green lanes" for smooth movement of Irish food and live exports between the UK and continental Europe post-Brexit.

The news is particularly important for Irish animal and food exporters, many of which use the UK as a landbridge before reaching Europe.

The UK will be designated a third country post-Brexit in EU terms, which normally means an exporter would have to use the TRACES system, which would require more paperwork and certification for individual food and animal items.

Minister Coveney said: "We politically agreed two years ago to develop 'green lanes' for Irish goods moving between parts of our single market via the UK landbridge.

"Brexit means change, but we're doing everything we can to protect Irish businesses."

IFA

The IFA has welcomed the news that progress has been made on food and live animal exports.

“It is crucial that there are no barriers to trade or additional costs arising from Britain’s exit from the EU,” IFA president Tim Cullinan said.

“Live animal exports are particularly important for Irish farmers to put more competition into our beef sector.

“While we have yet to see the precise details of what is proposed and it is yet to be approved by member states, the news coming from the talks is encouraging.”

Foreign affairs

RTÉ has reported that the Department of Foreign Affairs has been working extensively on the issue and the European Commission has agreed to exchange the TRACES system for an alternative IT system.

An agreement has also been arranged between the Commission and Dutch ports, which will allow flexibility for Irish live exports.

All member states have to approve the measures, but RTÉ said Irish officials were confident it would pass next week.

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