Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Fitzmaurice. Regarding our grass-based system, we will be providing funding for research into how to do things more sustainably in the years ahead. Our grass-based system is being advertised and marketed internationally. The idea behind the PGI proposal is to be able to advertise what we produce domestically in overseas markets. It is a significant part of how Irish beef produce is already viewed.

On animal health remedies, an EU derogation had been in place for anthelmintics on the basis that resistance was not building up. That exemption is only available as long as it can be shown that there are no resistance issues with particular products. The scientific assessments at domestic level in the last year or two have shown that there are resistance issues related to a number of products. This means that the derogation, which we had the discretion to avail of up to now, is not open to us currently. We do not have national discretion to decide on this. It is a significant issue. Our licensed merchants are very concerned about it, and I will work with them to come up with possible solutions. A stakeholders committee has been established to look into it. The committee met for the second time a couple of weeks ago and is doing important work in the area. I recognise the concerns around the issue and the Department will work with people on it.

On Asda and the issue of who buys Irish beef, we do not have control over who buys or stocks our beef. All we can do is ensure that we are producing beef of the highest quality. Internationally and within the UK market, Irish beef is very highly regarded. Having said that, it is not stocked on the shelves of all multiples but we are making continuous efforts to change that.

I want to ensure that the suckler sector is supported. During the transition period, our focus will obviously be on maintaining existing schemes and supports. I want to make sure that we can support the sector in the context of the new CAP. We will be consulting widely on the nature of any scheme that would be put in place and are very open to hearing the views of Deputy Fitzmaurice in that regard. It is important to ensure that the suckler sector, which has been under enormous pressure in recent times, is supported.