Mr. Tim Cullinan:

My response to that question is that the Minister was on his first trade mission to Dubai two weeks ago. Unfortunately, we were protesting outside two Dunnes Stores retail premises at that time. The Minister's was very clear in what he said when answering a question put to him by the media seeking his response to the action taken by Irish farmers. This is an important point. He clearly stated that farmers cannot continue producing food below the cost of production. If the Minister and this House are serious about that statement, it will take legislation to address it. The Deputy asked me if I am confident about it. I suppose I have to be confident and I like to take people at their word. The Minister spoke at our annual general meeting in the Mansion House a few weeks ago and he clearly stated this legislation would be on the floor of the Dáil during the first quarter of the year. It is March now and we need it to be brought to the floor of the Dáil before the end of March.