EU to ensure that 'goods and essential services continue to flow in our internal market'
Dairy Industry Ireland (DII) has welcomed the announcement that the EU is to ensure that “goods and essential services continue to flow in our internal market”.
The confirmation was made yesterday, March 16, by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen – adding that “this is the only way to prevent shortages of medical equipment or food”.
Commenting on the announcement, Conor Mulvihill, director of DII, said:
“While it is vital that we continue to supply the Irish domestic market, it is also important to remember that Ireland exports over 90% of its dairy – the vast majority of this to the single market.
It is hugely important from a public health and nutrition, as well as an economic perspective for Ireland, that we keep these supply chains moving.
“We have been working with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, in Northern Ireland and across the European Dairy Association (EDA) to guarantee a frictionless continuity for all milk collection in Ireland and the EU – including across borders.
“Also, to assure all supply lines are kept open to manage product flows – to ensure the industry can keep the shelves and fridges stocked.”
DII concluded: “We continue to engage with all companies daily to ensure a coordinated approach is applied across the Irish dairy and specialised nutrition processing sector.
“We as an association have been taken aback of the commitment by suppliers, drivers, staff and management and we will continue to support them in this unprecedented time.”
