Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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I thank the witnesses for their commitment and work to date. It has been very much part of what is happening and the whole framework. I thank them for their ongoing assistance, for example, to us with today's meeting. Deputy Howlin spoke of the sense of dread when the word "Brexit" was mentioned. I remember as a Member of the European Parliament watching it being played out there and speaking not so much about the cost or geopolitical impact but about the thousands - probably hundreds of thousands - of hours that would be spent in committee meetings trying to sort it out and the cost of all of that. However, we are where we are and real progress has been made.

Mr. Donohoe mentioned the grace period for veterinary medicines runs out on 1 January 2026. He said 30% or 40% of veterinary medicines used in NI can no longer be used. That is massive. I am from a Border county and have raised at this committee the issue of the dairy industry. Milk coming from the North to the South is an integral part of the system. It is set up that way and would collapse if that did not happen. At the time, we were told things were working well - and they are - but there are huge challenges ahead with regard to the need for a comprehensive SPS veterinary agreement between the EU and the UK. Mr. Donohoe stated that the British say we probably do while the EU says "No" and that we must work within the Windsor Framework. What are the possibilities within the existing framework for dealing with some or all of the issues relating to veterinary medicines? Assuming it does not deal with them, do we need a new agreement? Is there the possibility for derogations or flexibility written into the framework? I am not au fait with all the detail. What is possible within the agreement?

If in the end it is felt that the agreement is not enough, what are the chances of reaching a new one between the two sides?

My second question relates to the regulatory burden. Ms Lynch mentioned it in respect of trusted traders. She stated Hilary Benn is very proactive in trying to find solutions. My experience is that the EU can be very sticky when it comes to regulation, and what is written is precisely what matters. One probably has this on both sides. Deputy Howlin already asked how Ireland, as an EU member state, can assist in this respect. What work can we do, as a committee or country, to smooth the pathway?

Reference was made to Irish exporters having to set up a company in the UK. I am not sure from when. It is obviously the case for exporters from France, Germany and Italy, but it has not been the case for us. Can the delegates explain how the system has worked up to now and why it needs to change? Reference was made to a common travel area for goods. Is that realistic?