Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. The voting block in the Dáil has ended so other members will be returning shortly. I will take our guests back to their opening statements. Mr. Punch made an interesting opening statement regarding the Brexit adjustment fund, which Senator Paul Daly also mentioned. It is quite an amazing story to think that the sheep industry was the industry most affected by the Brexit scenario. Free trade agreements have been opened up with other countries to allow them access to the UK. I am thinking in particular of Australia. UK lamb is now displacing our lamb in the continental markets. Brexit did not have a major effect on dairy. One could argue it had an effect on beef. It had a big impact on the lamb trade and distorted the lamb trade, which was something we had not seen in the past. Where do we need to go with the money in the fund itself that could evaporate? We are looking at a scenario whereby unless there is movement shortly, the fund, which has been talked about so much, will return almost in full to the European Union with no real benefit for the State. The relevant part of Mr. Punch's opening statement was significant. Where does he see the next game going or the next play in this game regarding the fund itself? What leverage would he be asking this committee to use to ensure it becomes a part of the debate in the next few weeks?