Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Maguire for that information, which it is nice to have flagged for members.

I again thank the three witnesses, namely, Ms Morrison, Mr. Maguire and Mr. Ó Cinnéide, for bearing with us. There is a general consensus that having a strategic plan in draft form for consultation is a good thing but the point is it should not become just another plan without an implementation process and with targets and milestones set. Members note the deadline is 24 July, which means the joint committee has a few more witnesses to appear before it, which include IFA Aquaculture and, to be fair, some representatives of the environmental pillar. All going well, the joint committee will make a submission to the Department ahead of the deadline. The document covers multifaceted points, some of which I outlined about structures regarding how it could be rolled out or some things that could be models for developing the industry. However, there is a lot of technical detail that must be dealt with first, as well as knowledge and awareness. The truth sometimes is the hostage to the debate.

As there is no further business, the meeting is adjourned until tomorrow morning when the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, ICBF, will appear before the joint committee.