Ms Maria Dunne:

To clarify, we are talking about contracts between farmers and processor, distributor or retailer organisations across all of the sectors covered by the CMO. It covers beef, most of the meats, dairy, etc., subject to exemptions that are specified in the regulation. We consulted on this with farm bodies and stakeholders. The key thing stakeholders wanted was an assurance that any legislation would not inhibit their ability to negotiate the best price. In our discussions at European level, we sought to have as many exemptions as possible which Ireland can avail of.