Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

That is an entirely different question but I would be happy to try to answer it with the understanding of the Chair. We are trying to recognise the fact that, when quotas go after 2015, there will be a significant increase in the volume of milk being produced by dairy farmers. People anticipate that within the first 12 to 18 months, there could be an increase of between 15% and 20%. We must plan for that now by investing in new markets, developing products and building brands so that when there is a significant increase in the volume of milk we need to process and sell, there will not be price volatility as a consequence.

We have not announced the opening of a new dairy levy yet. Following a long and very constructive meeting with the Irish Dairy Board, I have agreed to have, between now and the end of February, consultation between my Department, the Irish Dairy Board, Bord Bia and farming organisations to establish and agree on the magnitude of the job that needs to be done over the next three years. This is to prepare for the dramatic change in the dairy industry and ensure we are using all the resources available to the State in organisations such as Bord Bia, where there is a lot of expertise, to complement what the Irish Dairy Board is already doing. It is not about one or the other but about the possibility of Bord Bia complementing and adding to the work the Irish Dairy Board is doing to expand and plan for new markets. The latter now understands where I am coming from; perhaps it did not last week. It is happy to proceed on that basis.

See this speech in context