Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Cotter for the presentation. It referred to exchange rate volatility and that there could be a structural shift in the exchange rate which means that it will settle into a permanent negative rate for us. Given that the Irish food sector has focused on competitiveness and efficiencies over the past number of years, its ability to absorb that structural change will be greatly affected. Is Mr. Cotter sure it is a structural shift? Is there some chance of a recovery in the exchange rate? What will that mean into the future?

The report refers to focusing on developing emerging markets. I presume those markets are already in competition with other markets. How will Ireland perform in those emerging markets?

Is there potential for mainland Europe to offset some of the difficulties? This UK exports significant amounts of food to mainland Europe. Is there potential to replace UK exports into mainland Europe with our own in order to offset some of the potential losses in the UK market? What is the potential for development there? Are Ireland and the UK producing different products for which there is no direct match?