Ms Caroline Bocquel:

The processing sector has undergone an enormous journey of transformation over the past two years. A huge number of processors have very modern equipment and machinery. They are able to access very high-value niche markets that we are able to service. We have identified new markets with Bord Bia in Japan, for example. We have a much better ability to reach exactly the market demands in the formats required by those markets. The key going forward is we continue to provide that level of grant aid into the system to enable them to continue to grow at this rate. There is no doubt the level of funding that went into the processing sector over 18 months would, under the previous funding instrument, have been more than the entire programme. Approximately ten years' funding went in within about 18 months. We are seeing huge benefits from that. There is no doubt that the more funding that can be provided to the sector the more economic benefit it can generate for both local communities and the sector as a whole.