Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the professors. I neglected at the outset to say we have received apologies from Senators Byrne and Wall who could not be here with us today and were anxious their apologies would be conveyed by me. All of my colleagues have asked questions at this point. I do not believe I have much further to add as all of the areas have been covered very well.

We were keen to have the witnesses back. The evidence provided to the committee by the ESRI, prior to us publishing our interim report in July, was crucial to our report, in particular, Dr. Barrett's strong message that the protocol would have great potential if given certainty. Both witnesses have reiterated that point today. We have engaged with parliamentary colleagues in Northern Ireland on that issue. An important message coming from the Oireachtas is that this is not just about serving the interests of those in Ireland, but also serving the interests of the people of Northern Ireland. There are significant benefits in that regard.

I agree with Dr. Lawless; it is remarkable that we have had so little disruption. Given the doomsday planning and worst-case scenario planning we were doing, it is a credit to the Government and the businesses on the ground that those warnings were taken seriously. Witnesses said in their opening remarks that the ESRI was considering the food and beverage sector and the price inflation of food. Now that the ESRI has had time to establish what is happening, are there other areas of interests where there may be potential vulnerability for Ireland? That is my final question before we wrap up the meeting.