Teagasc cutbacks mean that only one post out of three is being filled. REPS fees are going up by 15.5% and advisory fees by 8%. Why is it necessary for the Government to endorse policies that depress farm prices? The consumer still has to pay excessive prices and, in many instances, is being ripped off. A farmer gets approximately 30% of the retail price for food, leaving a massive 70% for producers and retailers. Members should not take my word for it, they should read last week's Irish Farmers Journal. The average price received for an animal is €595. For the meat of the same animal, Tesco gets €1,550, Superquinn gets €1,600, Dunnes Stores get €1,400 and butchers get €1,302.