Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. It is nice to be discussing agriculture and food for a change as we spend much time discussing IT. I represent the constituency of Cork North-West which is very rural and dependent on agriculture. I attended an IFA meeting on Thursday and the farmers there did not share the views of the witnesses, particularly with regard to the fodder crisis and its long-term effect, and they are concerned it might happen again because of climate change. They are also concerned about the price of milk which is 92 cent per gallon which is the equivalent price it was in 1983 but costs have gone through the roof. Will increasing production mean losing some smaller farms? Will this have an impact? Will this have a long-term effect?

Deputy Lawlor spoke about skills in the boning sector and I have many concerns in this regard. I have not done much research but I understand it is being filled by non-nationals who are probably non-European. No training is being provided. I understand one person is being outsourced to train. Irish boners are no longer working in the industry because they do not get paid. If we speak about increasing production by 50% by 2020 we must examine this and consider making it more licensed and regulated. I am not an expert in the field and I would like to hear the witnesses' comments.