Dr. Conor O'Toole:

I will comment on a broad set of themes raised by several of the Deputies and Senators. I will address first the questions raised by Senator Boyhan. They relate directly to Deputy O'Brien's comments and the challenges the construction industry faces. We have not conducted a specific study of the import content of the construction sector. I mentioned it as being an area that warranted future research. Let us consider what could happen from a day-to-day perspective if there is a hard Brexit. The direct trading supply chain links would be disrupted. It is difficult to know the degree of disruption because it would depend on the tariff arrangements in place and whatever deal or no-deal scenario came to pass. It would also depend on what non-tariff barriers, including regulatory alignment or types of standard, would be required between the two jurisdictions following the deal. I mentioned some figures for the dependence on specific import types. For example, 50% of imports of prefab material and plumbing and electrical fittings and fixtures come from the United Kingdom.