Brexit and the impact on the food and drinks sector, the impact of EU Rules of ‘Origin’ on trade and rail connectivity post Brexit North and South discussed by Seanad Committee

The Committee of Senators will meet at 3 pm in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House.

Session 1 – 3pm

• William Lavelle, Head of the Irish Whiskey Association
• Conor Mulvihill, Director, Dairy Industry Ireland
• Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive, Dairy Council for Northern Ireland

Session 2 – 4pm

• Barry Aughey, General Manager, Aughey Screens

Speaking ahead of Monday’s meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Senator Lisa Chambers said: “Ireland is a leading player in the global market when it comes to the Irish Whiskey industry and dairy industry – with Irish brands within these industries breaking into the UK, US and Asia markets. The Committee and I welcome the opportunity to discuss the impact Brexit has had so far on these industries, and to see how best we approach the challenges faced by Irish companies. We also would like to get some insight and discuss with our witnesses the EU rules of ‘origin’, which is where the goods originate. Not to be confused by where they have been shipped from, but where they have been produced or manufactured. Essentially, the ‘origin’ is the 'economic nationality' of goods traded in commerce.”

Senator Chambers added: “The Committee looks forward to having a debate and exploring the potential for increased rail connectivity post-Brexit, focusing the debate around the possibility of having a high-speed rail linking North and South. And allowing us to have a conversation on the benefits and challenges for such a major infrastructural project.”

You can view the meeting in Committee Room 2 on the Oireachtas website.

More information can be found on the dedicated Committee Webpage. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.