Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegation. We have been given a very comprehensive overview of the work of the Irish Dairy Board. Mr. Buckley or his team might tell us the percentage of the dairy products produced in the country for which his company accounts. Second, we are getting a new dictionary. The word "chillax" was listed in the new dictionary issued last week. I also note the new term used in the presentation - "co-opetition". Will Mr. Buckley explain what it means?

Innovation, new product development, sophistication and meeting consumer demand are key in creating a substantial level of sales. This requires research, development and science. I take it that much of the change in the products the Irish Dairy Board produces is based on scientific input. Is Mr. Buckley satisfied that, as a nation, we are investing enough in the scientific element of product development in order that we have the best quality innovative products to place on the market? I note that he believes the Government should invest in increasing capacity. Is he satisfied, if the capacity is available and the investment in the scientific element of product development is made, that he can achieve market share and profitably on world markets for everything we can produce post the ending of quotas? That would add significantly to national wealth. I know that he has outlined his strategy, but will he elaborate further on this point?

I understand that under state aid rules, there are limits to the amount the Government can give to industries in certain regions. How can it help, either directly or indirectly, in increasing capacity? Is there other assistance available in different regions to increase capacity? In other words, if one invests in different regions, can the Government under state aid rules provide for different levels of assistance? Can assistance be given indirectly, for example, through the provision of basic infrastructure and so on that would be critical in the development of capacity?