Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this. There is significant potential here and we do have to invest in new research. That is why we have the thematic research calls and why precision fermentation is one of the areas which is open for application. We will continue to invest, not only in the precision fermentation area but right across new and emerging science in the agrifood sector. It is open to people to apply as we try to bring these forward. Many exciting projects are taking place or are in the offing.

On the dairy sector and the milk we produce, we are very fortunate to have what we have, which is an exceptionally nutritious food in milk and the other food products, like cheese, which come from its processing. We can look to having a very strong future there, but we must also make sure we are at the cutting edge of science and that we are looking at all opportunities. That is why we are investing so much in research in agrifood and that is why it is so important we are investigating potential such as this and why we are open to applications in this area too.

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