Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is easy to say that there are only six additional people in the Department and four additional in Bord Bia. Everybody in the Department is focused on Brexit. It is a standing item on our agenda. I am based on the fifth floor of the Department building along with people from various different sectors. Brexit is on everybody's agenda. There is a dedicated Brexit unit and a co-ordination committee, but it is answerable to way beyond those four people.

The trade division is represented with the Minister in North America this week. Accompanying them are representatives of Bord Bia and of some companies. When a team goes on a trade mission, and I have led one, it can comprise 20 to 25 people. Sustainable Food Systems Ireland may be part of such a mission. It involves selling the whole Irish package and Origin Green is a very important element. We were engaged in such missions prior to the challenge posed by Brexit.

Regarding the Deputy's question on Food Wise 2025, an adjustment in terms of Brexit is being made to it as it evolves. That strategy needs to take cognisance of it because everything is a reaction to what has been happening. The volatility in sterling that we have seen has affected the mushroom and forestry sectors, in particular, and especially wood products. The purpose of the €150 million low-interest loan fund was to help specific sectors, including those sectors, but the wood or timber industry comes under a business sector. A great deal of work is under way and much of it is reactive as the situation requires it. It is very difficult to say we are going to do it a certain way now because we have not really figured it out. We do not know what way this process will be negotiated.

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