Minister McEntee congratulates Commissioner Phil Hogan on his appointment as EU Trade Commissioner

Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs has congratulated Commissioner Phil Hogan on his appointment as the EU’s Trade Commissioner for the next five years.

Minister Helen McEntee said the appointment was hugely significant as there are a large number of trade negotiations ongoing, with key trade talks to hopefully begin with some of Ireland’s largest trading partners in the near future.

“Commissioner Hogan has done an excellent job over the last five years as the EU’s Commissioner for Agriculture and has always had an open door to Ireland and issues that have impacted on us.

“Holding such a high profile position during that period helped to keep Ireland’s voice to the fore over the last number of years.

“The position of the EU Trade Commissioner is one of the highest profile posts the Commission has to offer.

“It is a testament to Commissioner Hogan’s work over the last number of years that he has been nominated to this portfolio.

“Ireland is a trading nation and the exporting of goods and services is the backbone of the Irish economy.

“Having an Irish person in the role of EU Trade Commissioner will mean that our interests will be well represented in any trade talks with some of our largest trading partners.

“With the UK to leave the EU in the coming weeks, we hope that the closest possible free trade agreement can be achieved.

“I have no doubt that Commissioner Hogan is the right person for the role of negotiating this deal between the EU and the UK over the coming years.

“As Minister for European Affairs, I look forward to continuing to work closely with the new EU Commission and Commissioner Hogan as he takes up his new role.”

ENDS