Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. With regard to the beef forum, a key issue will be the numbers and the lack of live trade and competition. What are the witnesses' views on how the beef forum will deal with this given that the numbers next year will be so large? This will be a challenge for the industry, the Department and the farming organisations. Will the beef forum be capable of dealing with it? Will this be its biggest test?

With regard to Deputy Penrose's remarks on the dairy industry, one farming organisation has come up with a totally different view to the other on the payment of the €11.2 million. We do not know whether this will be doubled. I am interested in finding out the actual difference in the views so we can make a decision or speak to the Minister about it. This money is being spoken about and farmers are looking for it but no decision has been made on it.