Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome DIGI, which represents a very important industry. It is under-appreciated and easy to kick at times, as it were. Bearing in mind the 34% decline in the on-trade, what is the figure for the off-trade?

Mr. Tobin spoke a lot about the success of our exports, which is to be welcomed. Where is the innovation in the industry in Ireland? Where are the new Guinnesses and the new drinks?

Mr. Tobin spoke about increasing the market share in the United Kingdom and United States in particular in recent years. These are the traditional markets. Are we coming up with products that are attractive to those who drink in the non-traditional markets? In 20 or 30 years, will we have a drink the equivalent of Baileys that will come from Ireland and sustain such markets?

What supports are in place? Is DIGI receiving enough support from the agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, in terms of the innovation process and being ahead of the demand curve?

Mr. Tobin referred quite a bit to The Gathering. What ideas and innovations will DIGI bring to the table in that regard? The group represents one of the industries that may gain the most from The Gathering. One of the challenges of The Gathering is that private sector finance must be secured. Has DIGI thought about that?

This committee can highlight the Indian issue. Are there other markets or blockages? Commissioner Reding said on the radio this morning that it is a priority for her, as Vice President of the European Commission, to consider areas that have been blocking job creation. Ultimately, this is what we are all about. What are the key blockages to be addressed?