Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The Irish Farmers' Journal pointed out Turkey is a potential market for beef exports but its authorities want clarification on our BSE status. Recently at the Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society conference, the chief executive of the Irish Dairy Board identified costs of €850 million to develop the dairy industry, of which €250 million would develop routes to market infrastructure and marketing investment. While we have embassies around the world as well as Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia, we do not have a coherent marketing plan for the dairy sector. Will these existing facilities and agencies be used? The industry will have to pay for and play its part in this regard but the State must also assist in developing routes to market, as there will be no point in increasing output by 50% if we still only get the same level of income.

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