Mr. P.J. O'Hanlon:

To take the example of the mushroom industry, it is only innovation that has kept those businesses alive. Unfortunately, as a result of the currency situation, some companies and businesses will go to the wall. It is a sad state of affairs. Ms Gildernew spoke about the Fermanagh area but it applies throughout the region. The food industry is very important for the cross-Border region because of the agricultural background. What the Government needs to do is make it easier for these people. Somebody with a freight company making an application in regard to processed food, for example, has to deal with far too much red tape.

We are telling the committee what we feel are the issues on the ground, but it is the Government that needs to make decisions. I listened to a presentation two weeks ago by a gentleman from Customs and Excise on the issues and challenges. While I do not want to be dramatic, if we do not have anything in place for this, there is no doubt there will be serious consequences. All the good work that is being done economically in regard to jobs and so on will be seriously negatively impacted. Whether it is done by civil servants from Northern Ireland or the Republic, solutions need to be found to make life easier. It is difficult enough to run a business and make it successful and viable in the current economic climate without adding challenges. My deep concern is that, two months out from Brexit, and we all know the can will probably be kicked down the road-----