I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 to 469, inclusive, together.
The commitments entered into by my Department and Agencies on foot of the 15th September beef agreement, including the development of a beef market price index model, are being progressed.
The Beef Taskforce’s remit is to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from the agreement reached on 15 September and it offers the most viable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders. It is in the interests of everyone involved in the beef industry that the work of the Taskforce goes ahead. It was deeply regrettable that the meeting scheduled for 14 October was unable to proceed. However, the independent chair and my Department officials continues to engage proactively with Taskforce members with a view to progressing all of the actions in the Agreement.