Mr. John Enright:

I will make a brief comment. The UK market is one of the highest priced markets for beef in the world and it is just across the Irish Sea from us so there is no market that will replace it for our beef. That is the reality of the situation. In a no-deal Brexit scenario we would be in a very difficult situation. That is why it is hugely important that a deal is secured in the next few days, because no market will replace the UK market from our perspective.

On the calf exports, our calves are not shipped via the land bridge. They are shipped directly to Cherbourg and we have lairage facilities in place in Cherbourg. The concern is that, if there are long delays on the land bridge, many of those lorries will move to the direct routes. It is hugely important that that issue is addressed.

As regards the live exporters, we have good relationships and work well with the people involved in that industry. They have invested heavily in their facilities and I agree with Senator Lombard that it would be helpful if there was one organisation representing them.