Mr. Ian Lumley:

Deputy Smyth specifically raised the concern about Brexit. A conference took place a few weeks ago about the environmental impacts of Brexit on Ireland, particularly regarding effective nature conservation in Northern Ireland if there were to be a downgrading of or diminution in the habitats directive. There is a much wider concern about the political rhetoric coming from the United Kingdom in terms of its anti-EU bureaucracy, but these are European standards for food safety, health and safety and other products. There is a very serious environmental concern about the impacts of Brexit on this country, but I can convey a positive example in the Deputy's own constituency where a major co-operative initiative is about to be launched in the Sliabh Beagh area, which is an upland heatland. It is the highest point in County Monaghan, running into Tyrone, where there is a cross-Border nature conservation initiative to protect that area, which is one of the major refuges of the hen harrier. That sort of practical cross-Border co-operation on nature conservation, high nature value farming, sustainable tourism and development of cycling trails are the initiatives we should consider as positive as we face the Brexit difficulties ahead.