Mr. Pat McCormack:

The Senator mentioned the Green Deal and fertiliser being a dirty word. The general perception throughout Europe and, indeed, the globe is that Irish dairy and beef are produced in one of the most efficient ways possible, and that level of production is aided and enhanced by the use of fertilisers. It is perceived as being a negative, but in the past four to five years, according to the Bord Bia audits, which concern all dairy farmers and a substantial number of beef farmers, our emissions per kilogramme of solids sold, whether beef or milk solids, are reducing. We are becoming more efficient and greener in what we do as every year and audit goes by.

On the issue of an EU fertiliser market observatory, we are involved through the European Milk Board, EMB. It is not confined to the Republic of Ireland and across the Border or across the Irish Sea. Our disadvantage when it comes to fertiliser goes right around Europe. My colleague Mr. Enright might take over there.