Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, indeed. The Deputy is correct in saying that the PO scheme is for investment but the structure of the PO is such that the money involved might be accessed, along with some other measures that are incentives for lean producing with Enterprise Ireland. Officials from the Department are meeting representatives from Enterprise Ireland to see what might be available from its pot of incentives. We are talking about the impact of Brexit now on much of the agrifood sector, not post the triggering of Article 50. We are concentrating profoundly on the mushroom sector and some other sectors all of whose exports are into the sterling market which is probably 80% of what is produced. We appreciate that. We are trying to work out a resolution.

The low-interest finance has generated some interest as working capital with flexibility. This will only plug the dike for a little while. There is a choice to be made by customers in the UK, do they want this fresh product from Ireland for which there is no question about standards, quality and reliability or do they want to push it over the brink. Prices are fixed generally in January but, unfortunately, do not kick in until the end of March or early April. We can do nothing about that without their goodwill. That is the importance of going not just to the Minister but over the next few months to the CEOs of all the producers to reiterate how precarious the situation is. We are doing everything we can, I assure the Deputy. It is not something that is particularly strong in my own area but I can appreciate its value in bordering counties and in the Deputy's area.

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