Mr. Seán Coughlan:

Deputy Deering's first question was about engagement with HerdPlus. The key point is to remove this perception that HerdPlus is a piece of software. HerdPlus is a package of breeding information relating to any given farmer's herd. It benchmarks that information, perhaps within a discussion group or nationally. Farmers engaging with HerdPlus means they are engaging with a combination of paper and web-based tools to assist them in making breeding decisions. The information we communicate to the farmers is the key point, whether by web or by paper means. These are just different mechanisms of communication. Engagement with HerdPlus is an ongoing process throughout the year. For example, when a dairy or beef farmer goes to a discussion group meeting and the discussion group facilitator uses a discussion group report which contains breeding information, that farmer is engaging with HerdPlus and with the information. It does not matter whether the information is delivered on paper, by the web or by text message. The focus of ICBF and HerdPlus is on breeding information.

On Deputy Deering's second question about competition or collaboration or otherwise within the sector, I will ask our chairman, Mr. John O'Sullivan, who is a dairy farmer, to comment.