Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the important work done by the ICBF. The industry is very well represented on the board. It is a wide range of stakeholders in the beef and dairy sectors which demonstrates that it is an industry-led organisation. Michael Doran of the IFA is chairman while the vice chairman is Patrick Kelly of Progressive Genetics. The rest of the board consists of three IFA representatives, three from the Munster Cattle Breeding Group, two from the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, with which Deputy Cahill has had a long connection, two from the Irish Holstein Friesian Association, one from Dovea Genetics, one from Progressive Genetics, one from Pedigree Cattle Breeders and Mr. Bill Callanan from the Department. A Department official acts as the ICBF's company secretary.

As I stated in my answer, discussions are ongoing in an effort to come up with a solution to the funding shortfall. Department officials and ICBF personnel met with tag supply companies. A proposal was put to the tag supply companies - Mullinahone, Cormac Tagging and Datamars - that the tag price should be increased to incorporate the ICBF levy. I understand that further meetings are planned over the coming weeks. Obviously, if there is to be any increase in the tag prices, the Department would be required to explain why this is happening and the importance of it. I will certainly inform the Minister about Deputy Cahill's concerns and his belief that a resolution should be found very soon and the importance of the timeline for the majority of calf births from September to the following spring. I hope a resolution can be found very soon.

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