Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their questions. On the latter point, it is unfair to characterise the structure of the talks as any indication of an unwillingness of either party to engage with each other. They were conducted in a suite of offices. They were a series of bilateral meetings. There was no stated reluctance whatsoever on behalf of MII to engage but it was felt the best way, in the context of eight different parties to the talks, to structure it. That should not be misinterpreted as any reflection on the indication. In fact, there was goodwill on all sides from the commencement of the talks. That was reflected in the fact that eight different parties to the talks achieved a consensus at the end of it.

Deputy Rabbitte referred to the low-income sector. In terms of public policy, we have long moved from supporting product prices to supporting income and that is why the €100 million, to which Deputy Aindrias Moynihan alluded, is the response. The €100 million did not change in terms of its terms and conditions. The €100 million was announced and the conditionality attached to it. That is reflective of previous experience in that regard. On the dairy side, when there is an issue in the market of oversupply there is a conditionality attached to it of supply reduction.

I have commented previously about the toxic relationship. I believe this plan represents the best chance of a new beginning. It entails compromises by everybody but I believe with goodwill on all sides, it can work.

People have spoken at length tonight about the base price and the inadequacy of the talks in that context. It simply is not legally possible to talk about base price. The commentary here tonight on the variations in the base price was interesting. Some spoke of a base price of €3.45 per kilogram while others spoke of a base price of €3.60 per kilogram. It surely goes to show there is competition in the marketplace on base price. In terms of building relationships, that is something on which at local management level there should be better engagement. I have commented on that previously.

This is, like all negotiations, a compromise. It represents the best chance for a roadmap to go forward.

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