Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the four representative organisations for their presentations. As previous speakers noted, the implications of a hard Brexit would be stark. Given that the dairy sector is largely operating in a global market, does Mr. Comer envisage that it will be more sheltered from the repercussions of Brexit than other agriculture sectors? As the issues related to beef have been thrashed out, I am particularly interested in the issues facing the dairy sector.

On the relationship of the four organisations with their European counterparts, specifically COPA, the preferred outcome is clear, namely, a free trade agreement under which Britain would sign up to equivalence of standards and agree to adhere to the current requirements of the Single Market. In the event that a settlement of some description is negotiated, what is the current position with regard to the farming organisations’ colleagues in COPA? How much support are they receiving from COPA in securing an outcome that will take into account Ireland’s position? Is Brexit as big an issue for farming organisations elsewhere? While I acknowledge that the position varies from country to country, will the farming lobby in Europe provide significant support for the Irish farming organisations’ case and press it with their respective governments?

A review of Food Wise 2025 is required because the strategy was developed before Brexit and with highly ambitious targets. Do the delegates believe it is necessary to go back to the table and review the strategy to ensure it is fit for purpose and takes into account the new challenges arising from the impact of Brexit?

Against the background of the challenges we will face in the next three or four years, what advice are the farming organisations giving their members and the farming community in general on investment and how they should approach the next few years?