Mr. Paul Lynam:

As a result of our membership generally, they are more engaged than not. It is when we do the wider sector-by-sector stakeholder events when we open up to non-members that we get the fuller idea of where a sector stands. Our next event is in January, when we will bring together the ports and transit sectors when we will have a clearer idea of the potential Brexit at which we are looking.

UK deals were mentioned. While it is in the EU customs union, the UK cannot legally sign any deals. It can sign deals when it enters the transition period but such deals cannot be implemented until after that period. From what we have heard, the UK has not had the response it was hoping for in terms of countries such as India and Australia. The response from America has been well publicised. The UK was hoping for more progress with India and Australia as well but that has not happened. The Brexiteers are saying it is incredibly unlikely that the UK will have any of the international trade deals if it keeps the common EU rule book. Wilbur Ross has stated that America is good to its friends. America wants to do a trade deal with the United Kingdom but it will be on its terms. If the deal is on American terms, that will affect the regulations and rules the UK will implement. This, in turn, will affect the UK's relationship with the European Union, particularly Ireland.

We do not envisage applying for or establishing a mitigation fund now but we do think it is something that should happen with immediate effect post Brexit, regardless of the type of Brexit that will happen. Brexit will be a shock to the European Union as a whole and it should not be just one or two countries seeking for state aid, it should be a general EU-wide response. The European Committee of the Regions, which involves local authorities, has recommended a regional support Brexit mitigation fund. We believe that is a good step in the right direction but it should be done on a sectoral basis as well. Irish agrifood will possibly be the most exposed of any sector in the European Union but other sectors in other countries as well should also receive EU solidarity funding. It could be structured in the same way as the Structural Funds. I think I have covered most of the issues that might not have been covered previously.