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

I thank the witnesses and we have had a very informative discussion. It is good to hear Teagasc speaking about analysis in July and September. Perhaps it should happen every year and I presume it will happen. I agree with Mr. Keane's analysis that we missed an opportunity in the past couple of years of putting a structure in place and perhaps something can be learned. The co-operatives cannot replace banks from a credit perspective, and that must be got across as well. They have an important role to play but they are not a bank. Likewise, I encourage banks to play their part in this process.

There is much to be learned going forward and even from today we could put a structure in place. We will do a report of the meeting with the key points from parties such as Teagasc, the co-ops and the banks, which were here previously. We will put it together and perhaps it can form part of a solution. There will never be a perfect solution but this could be part of one. I thank the witnesses for appearing before us today.