I understand that matters relating to Teagasc are its business. Will the Government follow the example of other EU member states by setting targets for organic farming? Sweden aims to have 10 per cent of its farming organic by 2000, while Austria already has 10 per cent and in some regions, Salzburg for example, it is as high as 50 per cent. Has the Government a target to back up Teagasc, which I understand is embarking on training?
With regard to the finance mentioned, was the expenditure from EU or Exchequer funds? Will the Minister of State give an indication of the Government's commitment over and above EU funding to organic farming which may allow us to match the seriousness with which other EU countries treat organic farming?
There are farmers who do not have farms which qualify under the REP scheme but who are interested in converting to organic farming. Are there any means other than the REP scheme by which they can do so?