Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Forde, Mr. Condon and Ms Randles for their attendance. It is reassuring to know that the Irish Dairy Board is working at trying to develop markets and is very cognisant of the extra production that is coming on stream and will continue, including worldwide. It will be a market where there will be volatility in energy and there will be other factors such as markets closing down. There are factors which are outside our control.

We have also listened and learned, gaining some valuable insights into what we can do as a committee by putting pressure on both the Department and the Minister with regard to market supports, the superlevy negotiations, trade agreements and, in particular, to ensure we are on a level playing pitch with countries such as Australia and New Zealand in valuable, lucrative markets like China.

I certainly found this morning's hearing very informative and I thank the witnesses for that. We are due to hear from other witnesses. Deputy Deering referred to Mr. Roche and the Positive Farmers Conference. That was organised by a group of dairy farmers such Michael Murphy and others, from whom we would be well advised to hear. I know him for quite a long time and he always has an interesting angle and version of matters, and it is usually in the other direction from where conventional thinking is. However, it is very provocative and might be well worth hearing.

As there is no further business we will adjourn.