Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue of data was raised and, with numerous channels including the ICBF and the Department, it is important data is protected. A profile of the herd from the Department is now available to livestock farmers in respect of age, gender and breed. We must make sure this is not used as a tool to manipulate the market, which is the concern of Deputy Martin Ferris. We have given the matter a fair hearing and I thank the officials who accompanied the Minister. We will now have a rotation of officials.

I welcome Deputy Harrington, who is the only member present of the Joint Sub-committee on Fisheries who is not a member of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Some of the Senators have been called to a vote in the Seanad. Having published this report, the committee continues to seek time on the floor of the House to discuss the matter but we welcome the fact that the Minister is here for direct engagement with the sub-committee on this work.