Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Could I reflect on how the industries in Scotland will be prepared for what happens in the next two to three weeks in respect of a Brexit deal? Taking into account the key industries that I always look to, I believe Scotland has an amazing distillery industry. It probably has the world's most renowned distilleries. Over the past ten years, the work done in the food and drink industry in Scotland has been amazing. Particularly where distilleries are concerned, Scotland is way ahead of the rest of the world in so many regards. How prepared are the industries for what will happen in the next few months considering the tariffs and all the extra work associated with exports and regulation that never had to be done before?

There has been commentary in Ireland that Irish companies are of the view that the UK side of the water has not bought into the changes that are going to be very much apparent in the coming months. Is Mr. Russell happy that the Scottish economy is prepared for what is going to happen? Is he happy that the industry is informed such that when the changes come, there will still be an opportunity to engage and trade with the EU?