In early 2000, arising from a dispute which was taking place at the time between the IFA and meat processors, an independent group was established to report on allegations of anti-competitive practices in the beef industry. Among its findings – I have already alluded to this – the group found no evidence of anti-competitive behaviour, either in the pattern of cattle prices or in profits. On the contrary, there was evidence from the various sources consulted that on average the industry is one of low profitability. There may be a problem with the attitude of management in the IMA in that it can make the same profits with low slaughtering volumes as it can with large slaughtering volumes. This could be part of the problem.