Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I do not want to see that happening either. I believe we will see dramatic expansion in south Leinster and Munster although there are parts of Munster that have similar challenges to parts of Connacht. It is important not to label entire regions as being either productive or non-productive. It is very much a patchwork quilt.

If we are to meet the targets laid out in the Food Harvest document expansion is required in the west, north-west and midlands and in parts of Munster. The expansion in the latter may not be quite as dramatic but it is required. There is already much talk within the processing sector, four years away from consolidation, as well as an examination of ways in which we can get more efficiency into the processing sector. This is not only about trying to get efficiency at farm level. We need to ask ourselves whether we have the right model in terms of the number of processors in place, where they are geographically and whether we can encourage consolidation in that sector in a sustainable way. Ultimately, these processors are all privately owned and run and are not controlled by the State. We talk to them and will continue to do so even more as part of the implementation group within Food Harvest. Some of the processors are represented on that group.

We also talk to the Irish Dairy Board on a regular basis regarding its views on the matter. I assure the Deputy there is no shortage of consultation.

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