Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for her reply but when will we see that happening? That is the key issue. Everyone in the House has met dairy farmers around the country who have raised serious concerns about protein in milk. The results do not seem to tally with what they should be. When will the Minister ensure we will have transparency concerning milk analysis? Many farmers believe such transparency is not currently in place. In specific circumstances where individual farmers have concerns, will the Department make its representatives available to carry out inspections? That would ensure a proper and accurate analysis is being made of the milk supplied. I have heard some stories which give rise to a significant number of questions in this respect. If we are talking about developing the industry and increasing the quality of supply to creameries, it is critically important to put in place a transparent system which everyone can stand over and which will reassure farmers as to the accuracy of its analysis.

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