Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Based on feedback from its suppliers, Dairygold is aiming for a 57% increase in its production. However, it only holds 0.6% of the market into which it is supplying milk formula and so forth. Even after its expansion, its share will decrease to 0.4%. This is a strong argument that there should not be price volatility in the markets into which co-ops supply. The co-ops will not affect the European market. We need to show where our co-ops are selling. We cannot allow a situation in which, even with an increase in production, our market share when we sell outside the EU decreases because of increases in demand.

I feel strongly about milk schemes in schools. We are not doing half enough in this regard. Children are not encouraged to drink milk and there are issues with sugar. What possibility is there of Irish products being promoted to children in schools?

The Minister mentioned single farm payment penalties. This issue keeps appearing. An independent commission should hear appeals. There is a growing concern among farmers that their only independent hearing will be before a court. That is not good enough. Has the Minister figures on the number of appeals in recent years that ended up in court and the cost and results of same? Perhaps what I am hearing does not bear out, but the figures would be interesting. We should have a proper discussion on the single farm payment's rules and their interpretation.

In light of farm audits, are internal audits of the inspectorate's procedures necessary? I have been approached with an increasing number of cases that I will bring to the Minister's attention. The issue is causing a great deal of concern and fear. The fines are draconian.

Will Pillar 2 not kick off until 2015?