The Minister and the Department of Agriculture and Food must take the lead in restructuring the dairy industry. We have heard suggestions of the type of model Ireland should adopt. In particular, reference has been made to the German and Danish models. Given the need for urgent action, the Department must examine this issue and set its proposals on what is best for the Irish producer. It is predicted that there will be a decline in dairy farmer numbers from 26,000 to 18,000 by 2012. Figures released last week further highlighted the increasing number of people leaving farming. This must be a source of concern for all of us. If that is so, the question the Minister must address is what support structures will be put in place in terms of rural development to ensure those who opt out of farming will have a viable economic alternative in place to allow them to live in rural areas.