Mr. Bill Callanan:

I would not say that there are no feed additives. A number of different types of feed additive can be applied. On seaweed and the discussion about it, my understanding is that the inclusion rate would be 2%, which would be quite large if done at a national level. I am unsure as to whether that reduction in methane emissions is maintained as the system gets used to the additive etc. The concern we have with some additives is that they need to be researched to the last to ensure that there is no safety risk. On international research co-operation, the Minister announced the €1.8 million to Europe-wide research projects for sustainable sheep production and sustainable livestock production, on a collaborative basis involving Teagasc, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, ICBF, etc., where we are involved with networks of researchers internationally to deal with these shared issues. We are all part of the global alliance for that research.