Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Some of the other groups which made presentations to the committee stated that part of the response to Brexit will require market diversification, which is a concept we all understand. The various agencies will try to support small and medium enterprises in this regard. I was struck by one comment, which I noted, that it will require hard work, reduced costs and a move to a sterling cost base. I interpret this as meaning businesses moving outside the jurisdiction to the North or the United Kingdom if they are particularly reliant on access to the UK market. Do the witnesses have a view on that issue, particularly if some of the State agencies adopt this strategy and given that it would ultimately lead to job losses in this jurisdiction?

The document refers to the role of the trade union movement in Brexit negotiations. Do the trade unions believe they have not been involved? Ms King cited the case of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. What has been the response of the Government to date? Have the trade unions been sufficiently involved in the whole-of-Government response that is required?