Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everyone to this forum. I have a few questions. I will start with animal feed and the preparation at the ports. Reference was made to ports in the North. Are the delegates happy with the work being done at the ports in the South in light of Brexit? Is there capacity to avoid the traffic delays and to ensure it will be possible to get in and out of ports? Regarding ports such as those in Ringaskiddy and Foynes, and even Dublin Port, are the delegates happy that it will be possible to get in and out appropriately with raw materials? Could I have some clarity on this?

Regarding Brexit and the involvement of Bord Bia, I wish to ask about the Brexit barometer published over the past three years, if not four. It has been very interesting to see how the industry has been working on Brexit. The delegates might elaborate on that process, including the benefits and pitfalls, and on how they believe industries have been engaging with the process, particularly over the past four years. What is the position of the next phase? Without a shadow of a doubt, there will be some element of disruption. How can we work on getting back into the UK market? The UK is still our nearest neighbour and we will still be dealing with it. How can we put protocols in place to ensure we will have the required interaction?

Calf exports were mentioned by many Deputies and Senators. This will be very topical in the next few weeks and months. I welcome the remark that I may have been wrong in saying there was no calf forum in place. I was under the illusion that one of the major exporters was not involved and believed this comprised a major aspect of the issue arising. Could I have clarity on the membership? I understand one of the most significant calf exporters is outside the loop and that this was creating issues. It might be appropriate to have clarity on who the forum members are.

Regarding the levy on live exports, what is the levy per animal? Where is the money spent in ensuring progress in the live trade? I am aware that the levy has been reduced over the past couple of years, particularly regarding calves. Could I have clarity on it? What is the amount? How much is collected per year? Where exactly is the money spent to promote live exports, particularly of calves?