Mr. Pat McCormack:

I thank Deputy Martin Browne for his question. As I mentioned earlier, we have huge concerns about the bands and the potential for them to go from 85 kg to 105 kg in a very short period. Mr. Cullinan alluded to 7,500 farmers in derogation. The vast majority of them are dairy farmers. There is huge concern. We believe that there needs to be greater stakeholder engagement and discussions. Farmers are adopting best practices. For example, the reduction in crude protein could have a significant impact. We need to see that implemented for a period and to establish facts rather than relying on estimates. There is a substantial gain to be made in reducing the 16% and 18% proteins to 10% and 12% proteins for the dairy animal. It may not be necessary to drive those figures forward to any great extent as the vast majority of the traditional friesian, and the friesian alluded to by Mr. Keane, come very close to the 6,500 l. I refer to the milk processors. As was alluded to at the co-operative meeting in my area last night, they need milk at the shoulders to be economically sustainable. The farmer also needs milk at the shoulders to be economically sustainable. This may drive farmers to be environmentally sustainable and economically vulnerable going forward. We need a lot longer than three months of a lead-in and a lot more discussion on it. We look forward to engaging in that discussion in the months ahead.