Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

-----did not want it there either. I thought the Vice Chairman would remember that. I remain as steadfast in support of the ICSA today as I was then. I want to know if it is appropriate that only one person represents 15 different breed societies when one AI company has six directors on the board. That is a little lopsided from any perspective.

I support the idea of having a federation of cattle breeders. I thought it was a good idea when the ICBF was established in the late 1990s and I will change that view for anyone. I am not like that - I do not bend with the wind - but those are relevant questions.

Deputy Cahill, a former president of a farming organisation who represented the interests of farmers fiercely at the time, stated that notwithstanding our different viewpoints, it is important that we know we are all pulling the rope in one direction because there are enough people pulling the rope in the other direction in other countries and markets. The committee is not trying to get a one up on anybody but trying to ensure that we achieve what is best for the industry of which we are proud. This is a challenging time for the sector in all respects.

I am not advising the witnesses but I suggest the executive board meet the various beef breeding societies and reach an accommodation on how progress can be made and deal with the various issues. The committee can then make an input into the beef genomics data scheme which has much to offer provided it is operated with a good degree of practical input as opposed to theoretical input.