Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Dowling for his contribution so far. He has been involved in the beef task force since it was set up. It is a very significant role. He is doing his best to appease an awful lot of sides in this very important argument.

On 15 September an agreement was made. One of the key issues about that agreement was that it was to include transparency and a long-term plan for the beef industry. That was one of the priorities laid out in that agreement. Does Mr. Dowling think the task force succeeded in convincing farmers there is now transparency in the beef industry, after this process has been gone through?

Regarding the long-term plan which was part of the agreement, does Mr. Dowling think there is the bones of a long-term plan there for the beef industry regarding transparency and price fairness? Has the farming community seen those two goals of the agreement delivered on?