Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will have that discussion internally in our time but the discussion today was more of an exploratory exercise on our own behalf and, in fairness, everybody is entitled to make their case. I thank the witnesses for putting forward their case and in so doing for putting up challenges to the committee and beyond it. I am not an expert in this area but it is fascinating to hear the different arguments.

The term "price war" was mentioned. Senator O'Neill, perhaps tongue in cheek, made a point about milk that is over quota. If any of that is going on it is illegal and people should report it. It is as simple as that. There is a great deal of confusion. We mentioned the report we published that we would favour the idea of a fair trade logo for everybody engaged in production in the food chain. Some small processors and producers are being squeezed in other segments of agrifood production, although not necessarily in milk production because those processors are not generally that small. We will see where we go from here. I thank the members. I am sure the witnesses will have found they were asked fair questions. People are trying to get to the bottom of this. I thank the witnesses for coming down.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has to confirm a date to brief us on the Common Agricultural Policy.