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

This is a very important issue for the whole sector. Food Wise 2025 sets very ambitious targets in respect of increasing our exports by 50%. If we do not achieve what we want to achieve in this area, we will be in serious trouble. As Senator Paul Daly said, we are all on the same page on this issue. We will do what we can from our side of the fence to ensure that we get a positive outcome and I am sure the IFA will do that also. As the Senator said, if a drowsy fish is found somewhere, it is not always the fault of the agricultural sector. Much money has been spent trying to upgrade the infrastructure in farms to a very high level. That story needs to be told and I hope we can get a positive outcome.

That concludes our business for today. I thank the witnesses for their attendance. I apologise for the meeting dragging on. I also apologise for my absence during the main part of the meeting.