Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The point might have been made earlier, but it is topical that we are discussing the tillage sector in view of the difficult harvest we have had in recent weeks. When the committee was established last year we felt this body of work needed to be done and that we needed a discussion about where the tillage was going and its future viability. This is the beginning of the process today. We spoke to another group earlier, and next week representatives from the organic sector and Teagasc will come before the committee to give us background on where things are and where they may go in future. Our job will be to produce a report in the coming weeks on the viability of the sector, where it is at present and where it is going. The input of the witnesses before us and other groups is important. It is topical because of the difficult harvest we have had, which is why we are having this discussion.