Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

Perhaps, for a change. The purpose of tabling these amendments relates to costs. I am very concerned about a possible increase in costs for farmers as a result of animal health levies being introduced. I am not sure what the costs will be, but according to section 26 they will include milk received for processing and animals slaughtered in an establishment registered or approved, or acquired to be registered or approved, for the purposes of an act adopted by an institution of the European Union. I assume this means slaughter houses in the State. It also includes live exports. Charges on farmers already exist but the animal health levy is a new departure. What will the increased cost be and how will it be borne out? In the Minister's view how will it affect farmers?