Labour TD for Longford/Westmeath has been appointed as the spokesperson for agriculture.

Commenting on his appointment, Willie Penrose said he was “very proud to represent the rural community and look forward to engaging with this sector to produce effective policy."

Deputy Penrose, who is an agricultural science graduate, has previously sat on the Oireachtas agricultural committee.

He also said that “Brexit is an issue of enormous concern to those in rural Ireland and in particular to those in the agri-food sector.

“Britain represents Ireland’s most important agri-food export market, accounting for over 40% of agricultural exports.

“Local farmers and interests groups will be directly affected by the UK’s recent EU exit and so they must be consulted and protected.”

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