Mr. Damian McDonald:

There is a concern that we have put everything off until the next CAP and, looking at some of the decisions in Brussels this week, there are increasing concerns that the CAP could be delayed. The issue of the decline in suckler cow numbers is urgent. We acknowledge that new money has been allocated for suckler cows in the budget in the form of the €20 million in funding and through the areas of natural constraint scheme. This has been a help and it is important to mention that.

It would be remiss of us to finish without talking about the future and the clear and present danger posed to the sector by Brexit and where we sit at this point. If we end up in a no-deal Brexit scenario, the Irish beef sector is probably the most vulnerable sector in Europe.

As well as having difficulties getting our product into the UK, if the product goes back to the European market, where 45% of our beef already goes, it will cause major problems with the price of beef there. As part of the contingency planning for a no-deal Brexit, the beef sector must be right at the top of the Government's and Europe's efforts. There must be a floor on the price of beef and protection measures to save our members. As a result of issues with sterling, there is already pressure on the system in terms of price. There is no doubt that the uncertainty around the corner with Brexit coming on 29 March is not helping confidence in the sector. That must be put on the record when we are talking about such matters. There is an elephant and although it is not yet in the room, it is coming straight for us. Any citizen, farmer or person interested in the sector must be increasingly worried at how things are playing out.