Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share Deputy Ó Cuív's concerns about the potential difficulties created by the large investment being made by many newcomers to the milk scene. All one needs to do is read the front page of today's farming section in the Irish Independent. Glanbia has cut 2 cent per litre, sparking further price reductions. We are in line for a great deal of price volatility. If we are not careful, there could be a bubble similar to the one that existed in the building industry not so long ago. Not enough is being made of that prospect. If production is increased, there will more than likely be a reduction in price, yet the cost of production has not decreased.
For obvious reasons, the Minister was vague concerning the options on the table in terms of the butterfat coefficient. What could help to ensure an even softer landing?
Returning to the issue of price volatility, it will have an impact for a number of years. Will anything be put in place over the easing-in period following the quota's removal?
Turning to Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, reform and the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, the Minister stated that the Commission might not make a decision on the reform for a number of months. Will that delay the commencement of GLAS beyond this year?