The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, is said to be “very pleased” with the Brexit deal that was announced earlier this morning (Friday, December 8).

In the deal in question, the EU and the UK have agreed that will be “no hard border” between Northern Ireland and the Republic, with the UK agreeing to make “significant commitments” to ensure that a hard border is avoided.

Also Read: ‘Deal agreed in Brexit talks’ – European Commission

A spokesperson at the Department of Agriculture confirmed this, stating: “The minister is very pleased that an agreement has been reached that ensures that there will be no hard border on the island of Ireland.

“The agreement should allow the European Council to conclude that sufficient progress has been made to permit the negotiations to move to phase two, on the framework of the future trading relationship.

“Our objective for those discussions is to have an EU/UK trading relationship as close as possible to the current one.

This is a positive outcome for Irish agri food. It provides the necessary certainty around frictionless trade and the continuity of supply chains on the island of Ireland, and a solid platform for discussions on the future trading relationship with the UK as a whole.

Relief for Irish business

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, today welcomed the EU-UK deal that will allow crucial talks on the future trade relationship to begin in the new year.

The group noted that this agreement identifies the need for specific measures to ensure Irish goods can transit smoothly through the UK and on into the rest of the EU post-Brexit – a major concern to Irish exporters and importers.

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “Today’s deal is a relief for business as it will allow vital trade talks to begin. The specific commitments relating to Ireland and the functioning of the all-island economy are a vital recognition of the unique challenges Irish business faces.

“This agreement must now inform wider trade talks and deliver an outcome that keeps trade barriers to an absolute minimum and protects jobs.”