Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Is everybody happy? I thank Mr. Spellman and Mr. Doyle. I just wrote down a couple of things - Origin Green, animal identification and movement, AIM, genomics and possible EID - that give us the edge in securing our reputation as part of our marketing tactics and food promotion. As Deputy Ó Cuív has just said, make haste slowly but make haste at the same time.

We will put this on the agenda for next week's meeting with a view to drafting a letter to the Minister agreeing to the general principles along the lines picked up on. We should bear in mind that the cost is €1 for the standard tag. More secure measures are optional for people. Insurance companies and others may be interested in getting involved; there is a whole dimension to this that spreads out from there. Treatment of animals for various different issues, whether it is a disease or an incident, can be done this way so that many cross-compliance issues can be dealt with. There is huge potential here if it is done right. I gather from the members here that they are keen to be of assistance in setting this up properly.

I thank the witnesses. We will suspend the meeting for a few minutes to allow them to withdraw. We have a second session with the Irish Harness Racing Association.