Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Comer for his very comprehensive presentation. I welcome him as president and Mr. John Enright as general secretary. I have a couple of follow-up questions. On the issue of the voluntary milk reduction scheme, Mr. Comer indicated that he feels that it should be something that should be permanently part of the landscape. Does he see a downside in that being used as a key tool in trying to keep prices up from an Irish perspective, due to the fact that we are a very significant exporter, unlike some other countries? I would like to hear his perspective on that.

On the issue of improving volatility tools and trying to ensure that the increases, reductions and prices are evened out at farm gate level, what additional measures, does Mr. Comer suggest need to be taken to encourage that? Where does he feel that farmers are at with regard to embracing the existing tools that might be there?

I take Mr. Comer's point on the difficulties with interest rates and how the Irish stand out when it comes to competitive rates versus our European neighbours. Mr. Comer indicated that is something the Government should address. How does he feel that could be done?