Penrose appointed Spokesperson for Agri-Sector

Longford/Westmeath TD, Willie Penrose is delighted to be appointed Labour spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Rural Affairs, and Social Protection. Deputy Penrose recently raised the issue of Brexit and the significant negative impacts on Ireland’s agri-food sector in Dáil Éireann. He questioned the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Michael Creed on his plans to safeguard the sector. Deputy Penrose said: “As a Longford/Westmeath TD, I am fully aware 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 40pc 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.“I am very proud to represent the rural community and look forward to engaging with this sector to produce effective policy.“I also look forward to engaging with the various organisations and advocates in the Social Protection area, and devising new policies addressing specific issues that have arisen in this important portfolio.”