Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I am aware that this is an issue close to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's heart. I congratulate Mr. Aaron Forde and his team at Connaught Gold on its negotiations which were completed last weekend.

Perhaps the Minister might address the issue of the balanced expansion of the dairy industry. Naturally, particular parts of the country are ahead of the curve in that regard. However, two critical issues in my part of the country are farm scale and access to processing capacity and the efficiency of processors. The Minister will be aware that farm consolidation relief lapsed in June. Has consideration been given to re-establishing it to ensure farm consolidation can take place, which would help to achieve significant efficiencies in these areas? Also, what steps are being taken to try to improve processing capacity and efficiency? Is it the case that following the abolition of dairy quotas, what will be important is access to a contract with a process in order to deliver milk? That is going to present a big challenge.

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