David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, we should probably get a note from the Department on the export credit insurance scheme and what its thinking is on that, given that the issue has been raised more than once.

I note that the Office for Budget Responsibility in the UK has predicted that a no-deal Brexit will lead to a negative impact over the next 15 years or so of about 6% of GDP. A no-deal Brexit would have serious impacts here, but it will also have a serious impact on the UK, which could have a knock-on effect on UK companies operating from here. We have already seen that happening in the retail trade, including in reports in recent days. Could I ask the witnesses from IBEC and ICTU what connections they have with their sister organisations in the UK? What are they saying about their perception of the impact of any kind of Brexit on business, employment and workers in the UK? Am I correct in saying that would also have a knock-on effect here? A negative impact on business in the UK could have a knock-on impact here as well.

My final question is for Mr. O'Brien. What are companies doing to pivot away from the UK market for exports and imports to markets elsewhere in Europe, for instance to substitute goods, materials and services, as they would not face tariffs or restrictions, as could happen with trade with the UK, no matter what kind of deal we have?