Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. Deputy Durkan will be aware that the changes brought about by Brexit comprise entirely new ground for us. These are challenges that Irish agrifood businesses face. We in the Department are dealing with the agrifood businesses every day to make them as prepared as possible for all the next stages, with 1 October being another important date in the calendar for companies that export products of animal origin to or through Great Britain. We work really closely with those concerned. Extensive planning and trialling of all systems is ongoing to try to identify all the challenges we will face and to ensure our businesses will be as prepared as possible. We are taking the time we have to ensure businesses are aware of the challenges and informed about what is expected of them. There is a range of approaches. In my area, covering trade and market export, it is important that businesses are aware of the changes because there is now a new normal. Brexit has brought that about in that it has made Britain a third country. I am satisfied that every effort is being made and every step taken to ensure businesses are prepared for all the changes that are coming.

See this speech in context