Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
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I acknowledge the capable and comprehensive presentation that has been made. I would like to refer to a few particular issues. Most of the topics have been covered. A review of the Origin Green strategy from 2019 to 2021 is taking place. I think sustainability is the big stumbling block in the agriculture industry at the moment. We need to consider where we are going with the current model. The Minister has spoken extensively about this issue, particularly over the last six months. Will sustainability be a major plank of the Origin Green strategy as it goes forward? I would like to hear the witnesses' views on whether, as we seek to make sure the Irish agriculture sector is sustainable, we will need to monitor the sustainability of the carbon footprint of the sector. It should be acknowledged that an increase of 32 in the number of staff is very significant. I suggest it shows a great commitment on the part of Bord Bia to what is required for it to do its job on the international stage.

I do not think the poultry sector has been mentioned today. I would like to get some figures as an update on the development of Origin Green in the poultry sector. Ms McCarthy provided some comprehensive figures for the beef and dairy sectors, but I would be interested to know how the poultry sector is tied into the Origin Green effect. There have been phenomenal successes in the dairy and beef sectors. This is obvious in every supermarket. I wonder whether the poultry sector is enjoying the same take-up at market level. Is there an issue with produce coming to this island to be remodelled or processed and then exported, perhaps not with the Origin Green label but with a Republic of Ireland label or with the Tricolour attached to it? Is this becoming a major factor in the poultry market? I refer to the practice of bringing in produce from France or Germany to be chopped up, remodelled or repacked for export without the Origin Green branding. Do housewives and people on the street know that produce that is manufactured in this way is not Irish? I am very interested in where we are going with the poultry sector and in how we can close any marketing loopholes that exist, particularly in the context of the proposed Origin Green strategy from 2019 to 2021.