Mr. T.J. Maher:

I will take the medicine questions. Our members are extremely concerned because they do not want to buy more antiparasitics. As I said at the start, the crucial factor for us is to be able to access them at the right time, in the right amount, at the right price. That is the key issue. If three suppliers are removed from the network leaving only one, ultimately our farmers are aware that they will be at the bottom of the food chain and totally exposed. That is a key concern that cannot be ignored. There is absolute evidence that this will certainly place us in a weaker position in the purchase of antibiotics.

As outlined previously, only a limited number of suppliers operate in the country. Ultimately, we are concentrating the power in a smaller number of bodies supplying a smaller number of suppliers back to us. Ultimately, farmers will be the losers because we will have to pay for it. While the Department's efforts to have a broader approach to dealing with this might be well meaning, changing the address of where one buys the antiemetic does nothing for the reduction and more accurate use of these antiemetics and antiparasitics. As we have continually stressed, modern technology and science is moving quickly. Multiple companies are now supplying quick-test faecal egg worm-counter machines that can provide results in ten to 15 minutes for suitably qualified persons to read them.

We appreciate that all bodies will need to step up to the plate. Money will need to be spent to ensure proper service is provided to ensure a better and more accurate use of the products we have so that we can retain them and ensure they remain effective. It is in our interest not to overuse but to use properly. Everybody accepts that we are moving to new world and things cannot operate as they operated in the past. Things will need to be done differently because we now have greater controls on us and we will need to be seen to be doing the right thing. That is absolutely in farmers' interests. We are clear that a practical solution recognising the professionalism of all parties, farmers, vets, licensed merchants and pharmacies, can be worked out on this. However, there needs to be respect for all people involved.