Mr. Edward Carr:

We are bringing it to the attention of the committee today. It is a step on a long journey. We are asking for such a strong task force to be set up because I do not believe people realise the importance of the matter to the rural economy and rural areas. As I travelled here today up through the countryside from County Tipperary, I noted there is only one thing left in rural Ireland, namely agriculture or farming. It is time for the Government and everyone involved to come together. They did so some years ago when Brexit was to affect our country. This issue we are discussing is equally important. It is one of the most important issues facing rural Ireland and, therefore, it is time that the Government stepped up to the mark and everyone came together. We will play our part in that and I am sure everyone else is willing to play theirs. That is our ask. Mr. Matthews will elaborate on the agri-retail stores.