Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy can take it any way he wants but I did not suggest milk would be €4 or €5 a gallon. What I thought appropriate in the context of the exchange was that, first, the fundamentals of ring-fencing would not move, a policy with which the Deputy will agree, given the importance of the dairy sector in the Cavan-Monaghan area, as well as my area. Second, one of the frustrations expressed by young farmers was that they could not get access to quota. Third, they wanted to make sure they could afford to buy it, which is why I have a priority pool — 30% of the quota at 12 cent — for young farmers. Fourth, I introduced a substantial €100 million investment in the manufacturing sector, making an overall total investment of €500 million. This sector must be competitive, new and different to allow it to drive and move forward.

I did not say "yes" or "no", or agree or otherwise, while in Finland, although I am delighted the Deputy reads about what I say when I go abroad.

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