The Deputy has raised this matter on a number of occasions on the Adjournment etc. and he has had access to all the available information. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed in regard to this programme. The Deputy is well aware that there is massive overca pacity in the industry. He is also aware that we are facing a rationalisation process and agreement on that is necessary for the future of the industry. A total of 1.6 million animals are slaughtered in 38 licensed factories but one operator controls 38 per cent of the industry.
There is also massive undercutting in the marketplace while Ireland exports approximately 60 per cent of its beef to third countries. We must get to grips with the problem. I have stood on public platforms with the Deputy and admired what he has said about having a more organised approach to the beef industry, including the marketing and promotion of products. If we can get our house in order and reach agreement on this, statutory levying will not be required. The farming community is conscious that it will have to pay another levy and we are also conscious of that problem. They have lobbied us and told us that they do not want another levy, nor do the organisations representing producers want another levy. Agreement will be reached on this because we will keep working until a programme is in place to rationalise the industry.
We have no control over what ICM or any other organisation does. It is part of the private sector, the enterprise society, and long may that last. Anything we do is not damaging to the industry. Our job is to regulate and promote the industry.
