Professor Gerry Boyle:

Obviously, like everybody in the country, nobody knows what exactly the format of Brexit will be. With regard to Teagasc's responsibilities, we work very closely with the Department and with Bord Bia in particular. Our responsibility relates to the innovation agenda. We have a capability in our economic division and we also have a responsibility around analysing the economic impacts of Brexit as it affects the dairy sector. Teagasc was the first to produce a comprehensive analysis two years ago on the impact of the so-called hard Brexit option. We are all aware of the devastating consequences it would have.

In terms of actions to combat Brexit, we have been focusing on identifying opportunities for innovation. If there is to be a silver lining in Brexit, it will be the opportunities presented and the drive to market diversification, which is positive. Most of the markets being identified are outside of Europe.