Mr. Aaron Forde:

Deputy Ó Cuív asked a question about promoting the grass-based nature of Irish dairy. This issue was also touched on by Deputy Deering in terms of quality. It may cover some of Senator Mary Ann O'Brien's question on Bord Bia. Over the past two years or so, all of the stakeholders in the industry have worked with Bord Bia and the Department to shape the sustainable dairy assurance scheme, which has commenced. Real audits are being done on farms. For the first time, it will give a measure of sustainability in terms of pasture-based farming. In 18 months' time, we will have audited information from the 17,000 to 18,000 dairy farmers in the country as to what that means. Since its establishment, the Irish Dairy Board has promoted grass-based dairy and the taste of Irish dairy off grass but to date, we have had very little scientific evidence to back it up. This scheme will give us that evidence so we are strong supporters of it and are supporting Bord Bia-----