Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Without being cynical, I must state the Minister has indulged in subtle sidestepping of the question. The reality is that if we are to have a 50% expansion in the dairy sector between now and 2020, very significant capital investment will be called for, both at the primary production end and the processing, storage and transportation end. Investment in the sector is necessary as it has the potential to create jobs at a time when the Government is considering ways of creating real jobs in the economy. I would have thought some consideration would have been given to providing a stimulus package in this area.

The expansion plan is probably the most significant announced for the dairy sector in a very long time in Ireland, apart from the time when the quota regime was established in 1983. It is a very significant proposal and it will involve very significant capital investment. The reality is that the processors and those in the sector will be looking to primary producers for some investment. There will be a need to build an incentive into the arrangement. Having regard to the job potential that exists in this area, I would have thought the Minister would have considered it more realistically. I am sure he will with the passage of time.

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