Catherine Murphy
Question:1243. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on recent progress with the Food Vision Strategy. [1080/24]
View answerFood Industry
Questions (1243)
Written answers
Food Vision 2030 is our shared strategy for the continuing development of the agri-food sector in Ireland, developed for the sector by the sector. Food Vision is a landmark for the Irish agri-food sector with the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors in the period to 2030, with sustainability at its core.
I am committed to leading on Food Vision as we seek to deliver on our environmental, economic and social sustainability ambitions. I established a High Level Implementation Committee and have already chaired nine meetings, where we have examined a wide range of issues. I am pleased to say that implementation of Food Vision 2030 is well underway, with many of its actions commenced. The implementation process allows us to monitor process, examine areas where progress is not being made and to adjust as appropriate.
Progress to date includes important work on environmental sustainability in the dairy and beef sectors, through specific stakeholder Groups. Both Groups submitted reports and many of the recommendations from these are now included in the Climate Action Plan 2023, with others integrated generally into policy. The Groups will continue to meet to progress these and other important actions for the dairy, beef and sheep sectors set out in Food Vision 2030. A Food Vision 2030 Tillage Group was established earlier this year, highlighting the significant role the tillage sector plays in Ireland’s food and feed security and the ambition to grow the tillage area.
The first Food Vision Annual Report detailing progress was published in May 2023 (gov.ie - Food Vision 2030 - A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems (www.gov.ie). In terms of overall progress to date, 14 actions are complete, 108 actions have substantial action undertaken, 92 actions have commenced and are progressing, and 4 actions have not yet commenced. Among the key achievements outlined are the development of Sustainability Plans for the Dairy and Beef Sectors, as already mentioned; the work of the Seafood Sector Taskforce; the publication of Ireland’s Forest Strategy 2023 – 2030; the publication of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan; Ireland’s participation in the UN Food Systems Summit; the development of a new strategy for the horticulture sector; the launch of a new flagship environmental scheme, ACRES; the publication of Ireland’s first National Bioeconomy Action Plan for the period 2023-2025; and the hosting of the first National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture. The second Food Vision 2030 Annual Report detailing progress is due to be published in Q2 2024.
I believe Food Vision provides a vision for a dynamic, sustainable and innovative agri-food sector ready to adapt and to embrace change for a more sustainable future. I am confident that, with Food Vision 2030 as a strategic framework, Ireland’s agri-food sector will achieve its ambition to become a world leader in sustainable food systems.
Calafoirt agus Céanna
Questions (1244)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1244. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a thosófar ar an obair ar mhuiríne ag Ros a' Mhíl, Co. na Gaillimhe a bhfuil €2m ceadaithe di; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [1102/24]
View answerWritten answers
I mí na Samhna 2021, tugadh cead pleanála do mo Roinn chun síneadh bearta 77 a dhéanamh ar an gcaladh bád le carrchlós agus bonneagar coimhdeach ag Ionad Iascaigh Cuain Ros an Mhíl. Ar dtús, bhí sé beartaithe an limistéar a dhreideáil agus na hábhair a dhumpáil san fharraige. Mar sin féin, tar éis athbhreithniú a dhéanamh air, meastar go bhfuil luach níos fearr ar airgead, mar aon leis na tairbhí comhshaoil agus inbhuanaitheachta, na hábhair dhreideáilte a athúsáid chun talamh a fháil ar ais, agus ar an gcaoi sin an acmhainneacht le haghaidh forbartha a mhéadú amach anseo. Bhí gá le hiarratas pleanála breise don limistéar míntírithe a cheadaigh Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe ar an 6 Márta 2023 agus ina dhiaidh sin beidh iarratas ar cheadúnas dramhaíola ag teastáil. Tá sé beartaithe an t-iarratas ar cheadúnas dramhaíola a chur chun cinn in 2024. Nuair a dheonófar an toiliú riachtanach ar fad, beidh an Roinn in ann an tionscadal a chur chun cinn.
Go háirithe, in 2023, caitheadh €20.286m ar thionscadail chaipitil in Ionad Iascaigh Cuain Ros an Mhíl. Tá sé mar thosaíocht ag mo Roinn i Ros an Mhíl fós an tionscadal Cé Domhainmhara a sheachadadh agus tá áthas orm a rá go bhfuil dul chun cinn maith á dhéanamh ar na hoibreacha agus go bhfuil siad le bheith críochnaithe i mí an Mhárta 2025.
Departmental Data
Questions (1245)
Paul Donnelly
Question:1245. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the feasibility study on the proposed development works at a stadium (details supplied) has been carried out; and if so, if this report is published online. [1143/24]
View answerWritten answers
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
Animal Slaughtering
Questions (1246)
Colm Burke
Question:1246. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of engagement that has occurred between his Department and meat processing operatives in view that currently only one meat processing operative in the country is taking in and slaughtering bovine tuberculosis reactors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1153/24]
View answerWritten answers
There are currently four Food Business Operators slaughtering Bovine TB reactors.
My Department will continue to ensure that sufficient capacity exists to slaughter Bovine TB reactors.
Animal Slaughtering
Questions (1247)
Colm Burke
Question:1247. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action his Department is taking to reduce the timeline for the removal and slaughter of bovine tuberculosis reactors in a herd, given that the timeline in the UK is ten days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1154/24]
View answerWritten answers
One of the primary disease mitigation measures of the bovine TB eradication programme is the routine surveillance of all bovines for the presence of bovine TB through the use of the Single Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin Test, more commonly known as the 'skin test' and, if applicable, the removal of “reactor” animals identified in herds. When an animal is tested for bovine tuberculosis the veterinary practitioner makes two visits on separate days to complete the testing cycle.
My Department is notified of test results by the Private Veterinary Practitioner through the Animal Health Computer System. Once the testing cycle is complete and eligible reactors have been identified in a herd, the On Farm Market Valuation (OFMV) process begins.
The On Farm Market Valuation Scheme is the principal compensation measure available to farmers who experience a TB breakdown on their herd. The Scheme aims to compensate farmers up to the open market value of an animal as if they were not affected by disease, subject to ceilings. There are a number of steps in the removal process for which farmers and my Department have shared responsibility.
My Department works closely with stakeholders to identify if, and where efficiencies can be made. The following are an example of key functions within the process where my Department make continued improvements ensuring that the appropriate framework supports a timely removals process.
• A nationwide complement of suitably qualified independent valuers to ensure that valuations are completed efficiently.
• Strict deadlines for independent valuers to communicate their completed valuation reports to both the farmer and my Department for consideration
• The introduction of an electronic submission facility for key documentation allowing the farmer to signal their acceptance/rejection of a valuation.
• A dedicated team liaising with approved slaughter plants/knackeries to arrange for the destruction of animals at the earliest opportunity once a farmer has concluded the valuation process.
• A nationwide network of independent haulage contractors who operate a comprehensive transport network, moving animals to the relevant approved slaughter plants daily.
In addition to the above, my Department have recently introduced a text alert to farmers who are listed for valuation - reminding them of the option to submit their V8 and ER26x forms online. Farmers who utilise this online facility and submit documentation electronically will further reduce their reactor removal times.
The Compensation package available to farmers in Ireland who encounter bovine TB in their herd is one of the most comprehensive packages available in any jurisdiction, the programme provides financial support for both direct and indirect losses as a result of disease.
Unlike the UK, where animals are primarily valued via desktop valuation (based on market trends), all TB reactor animals disclosed in Ireland are valued on their own merits on the farm by suitably qualified independent Livestock valuers in line with open market values. The valuation process is efficient, the total timeframe allowable to complete the process is seven days.
In total, my Department removed 28,904 animals for slaughter as part of the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme in 2023. This represents a 23.5% increase when compared to the 23,402 animas removed as part of the OFMV Scheme in 2022. Despite the logistical challenges of removing considerably more animals, my Department officials have managed to reduce the removal time by almost half a day when compared to 2022. The national average removal time from test to slaughter in 2023 averaged at 17.8 days, which has reduced from 18.1 days average in 2022.
There are circumstances outside of my Departments control where the removal of reactor animals must be delayed, such as appeal cases where either party seeks a second live valuation of the affected animals before their removal, medicated animals who are observing the appropriate withdrawal period, inconclusive animals who may be required to undergo further Gamma Interferon (GIF) blood testing, and those reactor animals who are 90%+ of gestation and on animal health and welfare grounds, cannot be moved until they have calved on farm. All of these circumstances are also accounted for in average timeframe outlined above.
Wildlife Conservation
Questions (1248)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1248. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to seek advice from his officials as to whether there are any suitable sites that they may be aware of under their remit that could possibly house this vital wildlife organisation, which continues to struggle to find a suitable site for its important work on the East coast (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1159/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides funding each year through the Animal Welfare Grants Programme to registered animal welfare charities for the care and welfare of animals. Animal welfare remains a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government and considerable funding is provided to support these organisations.
On the 7th December last year, I announced record funding of €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide through the Programme. This is the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department.
My Department does not provide land to or have sites available for welfare charities. However, my Department would be happy to consider an application from the organisation in question for funding within the parameters and criteria set out in the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. The application process for 2024 will open later this year.
Departmental Data
Questions (1249)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:1249. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of containers inspected by his Departmental officials following arrival into Dublin Airport and Dublin Port from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, in tabular form. [1166/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine conducts checks on food products of animal origin and certain categories of foods of non-animal origin, imported into Ireland from non-EU countries.
These checks are carried out at dedicated facilities called border control posts. There are four designated border control posts in Ireland: Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Rosslare Port and Shannon Airport.
Below details the number of consignments checked by my department during 2023 for Dublin Port and Dublin Airport.
2023 Consignment Numbers
Dublin Port, 64,692
Dublin Airport, 4,321
Please note that the Department records relate to consignments and that there can be more than one consignment associated with a container, depending on the products being imported, however the tally of consignments is the closest approximation we can give of containers examined.
Greyhound Industry
Questions (1250)
Paul Murphy
Question:1250. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how four greyhounds which are still registered in Ireland (details supplied) were exported to Spain; and the action he will take to ensure this does not occur again. [1176/24]
View answerWritten answers
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (1251)
Michael Creed
Question:1251. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will issue a BISS payment to a person (details supplied). [1243/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is working to ensure that the entitlement position for the named person is correct, with the aim of clearing his BISS application for payment at the earliest possible date and has been in contact with the person named.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (1252)
Niall Collins
Question:1252. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can accept all the ACRES applications he received and not be limited to a certain quantity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1249/24]
View answerWritten answers
More than 9,000 applications were received for Tranche 2 of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) by the 13 December 2023 closing date. As the funding provided in Budget 2024 facilitates the acceptance of approximately 4,000 applicants in order to bring the overall numbers in the Scheme up to 50,000, in line with Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, it will not be possible to accept all of the ACRES Tranche 2 applications received.
Accordingly, a ranking and selection process will be undertaken. The selection criteria and marking system are explained in the Terms and Conditions for Tranche 2 of ACRES, which are available on my Department’s website. The guiding principle in framing those criteria is to maximise the contribution that ACRES can make to meeting a range of environmental, climate and biodiversity objectives and challenges.
The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES over the duration of the scheme to facilitate the participation of 50,000 farmers. ACRES will not only play a huge role in driving environmental improvements, it will also provide crucial income support to farm families.
In Budget 2024, I increased the allocation for ACRES by €40 million, bringing the total 2024 scheme allocation to €200 million. The provision of this additional funding will allow us to deliver on the Government’s commitment to have 50,000 farmers participating in ACRES.
Fishing Industry
Questions (1253)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1253. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if camper vans are allowed park at fishery port car parks as long as they are not used as accommodation while parked there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1251/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department, in consultation with the three Island Committees, agreed to provide parking permits to permanent residents of the Aran Islands and when the terms and conditions of the parking permit application process were decided, vehicles taxed as ‘Motor Caravan’ were not included as eligible under this process.
The exclusion of vehicles taxed as ‘Motor Caravan’ from the permit application process reflects the general policy across all harbours not to permit live-aboard vehicles such as caravans, campervans and motor homes in harbour car parks.
Departmental Data
Questions (1254)
Niall Collins
Question:1254. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review a proposal (details supplied) and have his Department contact the promoter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1280/24]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland is currently focused on improving nutrient use efficiency to improve the recovery of organic manures at farm level while reducing the dependency on chemical fertilisers. Our CAP Strategic Plan is supporting farmers to adjust their farming practices to reduce reliance on chemical fertiliser (for example use of multi-species sward, soil sampling and liming, investments in LESS), and to increase use of organic fertiliser. This is a significant change, and these practices will take time to be fully effective.
The proposal in the attachment proposes a possible system of converting animal by-products into fertiliser, which would provide an additional alternative source of non-chemical fertilisers.
In the first instance, as the source product is classified as an animal by-product, strict rules are in place to protect both public and animal health.
The regulation of animal by-products is handled by a number of bodies:
• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Responsible for most animal by-product processing plants and the largest meat plants
• Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority: Responsible for marine animal by-products
• Local Authority Veterinary Service: Responsible for animal by-product in smaller local abattoirs
This is a complex matter that will require input from a number of Departments and other Government Agencies to ensure compliance with all necessary legislative requirements. The establishment of an enterprise of this nature is a commercial venture. However, my Department have been in contact with the promoters in relation to the relevant regulatory and other requirements.
Departmental Staff
Questions (1255)
Paul Donnelly
Question:1255. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE laboratory analysts in biology employed by his Department as of 1 September 2022 and 31 December 2023, in tabular form. [1291/24]
View answerWritten answers
Due to the complexities of the data required to address the information sought, it is not possible to meet the stipulated deadline.
A full response will issue as soon as possible
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
My Department is committed to ensuring that a skilled and motivated workforce is in place to meet its priority business needs. Workforce planning processes are utilised to identify our requirements across all our grade streams and locations, aiming to ensure a long-term, proactive and strategic plan by which current and future staffing needs are addressed. As business needs arise, staff are allocated to support organisational priorities within my Department. Overall staffing levels and required skills are continually monitored to ensure business needs are met, subject to the limits of the annual estimates process, the usual budgetary constraints and approvals by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan, Delivery and Reform.
The table below provides further details on the numbers of officers who are serving Laboratory Analysts in Biology within the Department as of 1st September 2022 and 31st December 2023.
|
1st September 2022 |
31st December 2023 |
|
|
Number of officers serving Lab Analyst in Biology |
97.8 |
100.5 |
Departmental Data
Questions (1256)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:1256. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether Teagasc was consulted about operating a research farm at Dowth. [1311/24]
View answerWritten answers
I welcome the recent announcement by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, confirming the State’s purchase of Dowth Hall and the establishment of the Boyne Valley (Brú na Bóinne) National Park. The National Parks and Wildlife Service, the National Monuments Service and the Office of Public Works have been tasked with delivering a Masterplan for the property.
In that regard, I was pleased to note that the Director of Teagasc met with the Director General, National Parks and Wildlife Service and both agreed to explore if opportunities exist to collaborate on the Dowth farm in the future.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (1257)
Michael Creed
Question:1257. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their ACRES payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1344/24]
View answerWritten answers
The person named was approved into Tranche 1 of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2023.
ACRES payments commenced on December 15th for ACRES General cases that had, at that point, cleared the scheme payment validations. Due to the unprecedented number of applications approved under Tranche 1, it was not possible to get all participants paid by the 2023 year-end.
As is the case with all EU co-funded schemes, all ACRES applications must pass regulatory controls and validations before payment can issue.
Cases not paid in the December pay run are currently being validated against scheme requirements and my department continue to work to expedite payments. The case in question is one of a batch of outstanding cases still being processed and payment will be made once all payment validations are cleared.
Bord Bia
Questions (1258)
Catherine Murphy
Question:1258. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date on which he and or his officials are next due to meet the CEO of Bord Bia. [1359/24]
View answerWritten answers
I advise the Deputy that I, along with my officials met with the CEO of Bord Bia at the first of a regular cycle of agri-food industry events on Wednesday 10 January at the launch the Bord Bia Export Performance and Prospects Report 2023-2024.
Bord Bia is closely aligned with the strategies and policies of my Department, specifically the agri-food industry strategy of Food Vision 2030 and the Chief Executive of Bord Bia is a member of the Food Vision High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC) which meet quarterly and of which I am the Chair. The next HLIC meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 06 March 2024.
There is also regular and ongoing contact between officials in my Department and colleagues in Bord Bia up to an including at Secretary General level.
Harbours and Piers
Questions (1259)
Richard Bruton
Question:1259. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he received a report on the consultation conducted regarding licensing additional boats for visitor boat trips from Howth Harbour; if so, when a decision on this is likely to be taken; and how the additional slots will be allocated to potential providers of the service. [1430/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department invited interested parties to contribute to the public consultation on the matter of passenger vessel licences/permits at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre from July 20th until September 16th, 2022. The consultation sought to gather the views about how additional permits could be awarded and what factors should be taken into account in managing the permits.
The low response (six submissions) to the consultation is considered statistically too small to be relied upon as an accurate reflection of the views of all stakeholders. However, the responses have shown there is a desire within the industry for safer, more professional, and more tightly organised operations among the passenger vessel operators.
With this in mind, my Department has widened the review to passenger vessel licensing practices in each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres and is preparing a policy proposal for the coming season. I look to receiving this soon.
Departmental Data
Questions (1260)
Claire Kerrane
Question:1260. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will advise on any engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1495/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department regularly engages with the named organisation on this and other matters.
I am aware that there are delays in the issuing of equine passports. 80% of passport requests are received in quarter four in any given year.
The situation in 2023 was further exacerbated due to changes in parentage verification using genomic testing. I am informed that the named organisation deployed additional resources to deal with the demand. I understand that 3,109 equine passports were issued prior to the end of 2023 and the number of outstanding applications requiring processing in respect of 2023 is now 2,773.
The named organisation have given an assurance that 2023 applications will be completed by the end of this month where DNA analysis results are available. My Department will continue to monitor the situation.
Beef Sector
Questions (1261)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1261. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of beef exported from Ireland in each of the past ten years. [1540/24]
View answerWritten answers
Annual aggregate beef export volumes for the decade from 2014 are shown in the table hereunder. Data for 2023 relates to the first ten months of the year only, as full year data is not yet available.
The average quantity exported annually from 2014 to 2022 was over 512,000 metric tonnes reflecting a positive perception of Ireland as a consistent source of high-quality beef with strong sustainability credentials and consumer appeal.
Variations in export performance are explained by the interaction of supply and demand factors such cattle throughput at meat plants, carcase weight, price competitiveness and consumer sentiment in various overseas markets coupled with global trade dynamics.
|
Jan-Dec 2014 |
Jan-Dec 2015 |
Jan-Dec 2016 |
Jan-Dec 2017 |
Jan-Dec 2018 |
Jan-Dec 2019 |
Jan-Dec 2020 |
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
Jan-Oct 2023 |
|
|
Beef |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
|
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
|
509,900 |
486,101 |
532,544 |
547,447 |
534,542 |
528,379 |
524,710 |
455,581 |
492,122 |
393,588 |
Source: CSO
Beef Sector
Questions (1262)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1262. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of foreign beef sold in the Irish market in each of the past five years. [1541/24]
View answerWritten answers
The table below shows the volume of beef imports in tonnes for each of the past five years for which data is available.
Final full year data for 2023 will become available in mid-March 2024, but between January and November 2023 it is estimated that 32,930 tonnes of beef were imported into Ireland. It should be noted that the volume of beef imports is not an exact proxy for foreign beef sold in the Irish market. Some beef products may be imported for processing in Ireland and re-exported for sale abroad, while some Irish beef may be exported for processing abroad and imported for sale here.
|
Jan-Dec 2018 |
Jan-Dec 2019 |
Jan-Dec 2020 |
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
|
|
Category |
Imports |
Imports |
Imports |
Imports |
Imports |
|
Beef |
34,437 |
30,213 |
29,921 |
35,071 |
36,568 |
To put it into context when compared to exports, Ireland is among the largest beef exporters in the northern hemisphere with total exports of 492,000 tonnes worth over €3.05 billion in 2022.
The Irish beef sector is critically dependent on international trade, and therefore, on a multilateral trading system operating under WTO rules, EU Single Market rules, and the Trade and Co-operation Agreement agreed between the EU and UK post Brexit.