Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair for letting me attend the meeting. I am not a member of the committee but I was watching the proceedings in my room and I wanted to come down because I have met Mr. Lynch and Mr. Lynskey before in connection with this issue. I must confess that I have a small company that develops small pieces of bespoke software on occasions so I completely understand the difficulties that the delegation currently face. It is a cost-driven business. It means taking risks and innovation and I am a bit perplexed to see a Government agency enter when there is no evidence of market failure and when it seems to fly in the face of European Union competition rules. Like Senator O'Neill, I think it would help if we heard something from the Department or Teagasc as to why they feel there is a need to enter the market. I will leave it at that. I have another meeting but I did want to attend and, as I have said, I have met the gentlemen before and I think this is worthy of further consideration.