Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy that the cereal industry has gone through a difficult time. Top quality product is grown here. I spoke to the chief executive officer of Greencore regarding his company's termination of its interest in this business in Ireland. Greencore is still in negotiations with the IFA regarding redress for farmers whose contracts have been terminated and an appeals mechanism is being established. The Minister of State is also conscious of difficulties that have arisen for farmers in his area and in other counties. I assure the Deputy we will remain in contact. My officials met a number of farming organisation representatives yesterday about the issue of cereals and the growing of malting barley.

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