Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the establishment of a dairy forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43969/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I recently announced that I intend to convene a Dairy Forum. The purpose of the forum will be to take stock of the current situation on milk markets and to consider, in the light of the new policy direction at EU level arising from the conclusion of the Health Check negotiations, how Ireland can best exploit our new milk production potential.

Having secured an additional increase of over 9% in quota by 2013, compared to 2007, and the retention of market support measures for butter and skimmed milk powder, I now want to discuss with the industry how we might best ensure that Ireland secures its share of new market opportunities and particularly, to consider the actions we need to take at farm and factory level to maintain and improve competitiveness. We also need to consider the effect that EU reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions will have on the future of the sector given our greater potential to increase milk production in the coming years. I will announce the details of the Forum in the near future.