Mr. John Enright:

Deputy Collins asked how the fund will be distributed. From our perspective, it depends on where the losses are suffered. At this stage, we do not know where that is. Certainly, we believe if there are losses at farm level, they will have to be directed at the farmers who suffered the losses.

We were asked about flying calves out of Ireland. Our deputy president has covered that point. Certainly, work is ongoing in that respect but the major concern with that option is the economics of it, which are questionable at present.

The Deputy asked about the banks. We have met the banks on several occasions recently. We have members who are in financial difficulty. There are practices in operation that we are not happy with, to be honest, on behalf of vulture funds, etc. Officials at branch level are saying to us that they have not seen too much stress as a result of Brexit or Covid-19. However, if we have a no-deal Brexit it could become a bigger issue quickly.

Deputy Fitzmaurice asked about calves. The reality is that buyers of Irish calves are in Netherlands and Spain. Over the years, the figures have gone up and down but there has always been a market. Covid-19 is an issue. Like everyone else, we hope the vaccine will work and that food service will get back in action as soon as possible. The reality is that the buyers of Irish calves this year will be in Netherlands and Spain.

The Deputy also asked about PGI. Our president and the chairperson of our livestock committee represent us on that matter. I do not have the details but I can come back to the him on those issues, if needs be.