Minister for Agriculture Dara Calleary says he had a ‘useful exchange’ with European Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan regarding Brexit and international trade via video conference.

The meeting took place as part of a range of engagements as the Minister takes office. Last week the Minister met with Irish farming organisations and is set to meet with industry representatives today (Wednesday).

Speaking after his call with Hogan, Minister Calleary said he was pleased to have had the opportunity to establish contact with the Commissioner, with discussion on Brexit and the wider international trading environment the key focus.

“I had a very useful exchange with Commissioner Hogan on the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations, and took the opportunity to reiterate Ireland’s agri food and fisheries priorities in these negotiations.”

International trade

The Minister was positive on discussions on the wider international trading environment, including trade relations with the US and China as well as the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement.

Concluding, Minister Calleary said: “I found today’s discussions extremely helpful. I have already had significant engagement with the main stakeholders domestically and at EU level and I will be continuing this process of engagement over the coming days."

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‘Useful’ talks between Calleary and Hogan on Brexit and trade

The Minister for Agriculture said a useful exchange was had on the wider international trading environment.