Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Comer for his presentation. A number of matters were discussed at the committee before the abolition of the milk quota. It was said that it would be a utopia, a big boost and a benefit to producers, yet now we have an international oversupply, which inevitably was going to happen.

As regards the drop in prices in this country, Mr. Comer says the base price is down to 24 cent per litre at the moment. He has indicated that for the first half of next year the price will be in a similar position. How does the cost of production in this country compare with other EU states? Is it affecting them as badly as it is affecting producers here?

Given the power of multinationals and big retailers, as Deputy Ó Cuív mentioned, they are able to manipulate the market for their own benefit. What can this committee do? We have had these people in here but their responses have been disingenuous. Is there anything further this committee can do about that to try to force a more equitable playing pitch?

In his written presentation, although not in his oral one, Mr. Comer states that the European Commission appears intent on abandoning product price supports and letting the market dictate developments. What is Mr. Comer basing that comment on and could he elaborate on it? If that is the case it means that given their production costs, it will be far easier for farmers in less developed countries to survive than it will be for ours.

Mr. Comer mentioned the beef round table last year and said that little has been achieved since many key issues, including the review of the beef limit, have not been addressed. Is the round table a talking shop or has it had any positive impact on farming in general and farm producers in particular?

I agree with Mr. Comer's view that the fall in oil prices has not been reflected in fertiliser prices, although it is the main commodity. Is that price determined nationally or internationally? There is also a knock-on effect on feed prices.