Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is what we have been told. Senator Gavan has his figures and I would be happy to have that debate.

Senator Mulherin raised the issue of beef and the challenges being faced by the beef industry in terms of the price and the depression in the market. The points she made around the issue of the ports and trying to enhance, support and develop our beef sector further merit further discussion. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, has done a great deal of work in his Department on this matter. This is about ensuring that we can support and work with those in our beef sector. As Senator Mulherin is no doubt aware, the Minister cannot get involved in the setting of prices. However, we can put in place other supports, as referenced by Senator Mulherin in her contribution.