Mr. Cormac Healy:

Wages have increased in the industry. That is for sure. While people may come in at close to the minimum wage as a starting position in a general operative post, there is opportunity to progress as skills and experience progress and that is done.

We are also part of, and operate in, a competitive environment. If we look even at our closest neighbours-competitors, be that Northern Ireland or Great Britain, GB, we are on par or ahead of those in terms of pay rates in this sector.

We have to compete. We export 90% of what we produce. It is important that we maintain our position in those markets for the overall agri-sector and there is a strong level of competition. Pay has increased as part of the overall increase in pay over the years but, equally, there is also a competitive issue.

Our sector will remain a labour intensive sector as well. That is clear. While all-----