Dr. Tom Ryan:

I thank the Senator for the question. We concluded a prosecution of North Cork Creameries in April of this year. There was a conviction and fines. Throughout this investigation and before, it had been in serious non-compliance. We go through a process of escalation. Our first role is to try to secure compliance and that is what we are doing now. North Cork Creameries is in compliance but it is operating below the operational activity it wants to get to. The idea of suspension is there. The bar is quite high for that and is set out in legislation but it is always an option. Our first option is to try to secure compliance and that is what we are trying to work towards at present but there are serious issues there.