Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Notes would be taken at those meetings. I take it that would be the norm. I have to say I find it quite disturbing that a junior or senior Minister would accede to requests from big companies not to take notes at meetings. The article in the newspaper specifically referenced that the purpose was to avoid freedom of information requests. I cannot think of any other reason, to be fair, a person would seek to ensure notes were not taken at important meetings. I thank Mr. Hughes for his clarification. It is a relief this is not the norm but it is regrettable that the practice happens at all. We all must be grateful to the journalists who pursue these issues and shine a light into dark rooms where no notes are taken.

I have a couple of other questions. I will raise the issues of Brexit and trade flows. Has the Department conducted research into the trade voids in the Single Market, places where British companies would have been providing goods and which may now be open for competition? Is the Department working with the enterprise agencies to help Irish companies to connect with these opportunities? Could our guests give us an update on where that is at? Mr. McDonnell might also comment on whether he sees a role in expanding out businesses.