We will begin by inviting the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, to address the joint committee, to which a motion concerning the Bovine Diseases (Levies) Regulations 2006 has been referred for its consideration. The committee is requested to report back to both Houses by Thursday, 14 December. I welcome the Minister and Mr. Seamus Healy. I invite the Minister to make her opening remarks which will be followed by a question and answer session.
Bovine Diseases (Levies) Regulations 2006: Motion.
The motion seeks the approval by both Houses of the Oireachtas of the draft Bovine Diseases (Levies) Regulations 2006, copies of which have been laid before both the Dáil and Seanad. The regulations would be made under the Bovine Diseases (Levies) Act 1979 and their purpose is to fix the rates of disease levies from 1 January 2007 as follows: 0.06 cent per litre of milk for processing; and €1.27 per animal slaughtered or exported live. These amounts represent reductions of 50% under both headings.
The 1979 Act provides for disease levies to be applied to milk deliveries for processing and cattle slaughtered or exported to facilitate the eradication of TB and brucellosis in cattle. The purpose of the levies is to secure a financial contribution from the farming community towards the cost of running the schemes and, in particular, the compensation paid to farmers. The Act also provides that where rates of levies are being prescribed, a draft of the regulations must be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and that the rates may not be applied until a resolution approving the draft has been passed by both Houses.
As the committee is aware, my Department operates programmes to control and eradicate TB and brucellosis from the cattle herd with a view to protecting public health, improving animal health and meeting EU trading and legislative requirements. The programmes are comprehensive and costly for both the Exchequer and farmers. Under revised arrangements agreed with the farming bodies for the TB and brucellosis schemes in 1996, responsibility for paying for the first clear herd tests each year was devolved to farmers. In addition, it was agreed with the farming organisations that the levies would contribute some £10 million, or €12.7 million, a year, or 50% of the cost of compensation. In the short term implementation of this agreement resulted in a reduction in disease levies. However, the incidence of both diseases increased in the late 1990s and the early years of this decade. This led to a significant increase in the cost of compensation paid to farmers and the levies were doubled from 1 January 2003 to yield some €20 million a year to reflect the higher costs at the time.
Following the effective implementation of a range of measures, the incidence of both TB and brucellosis has fallen substantially in recent years. For example, the total number of animals removed as reactors fell from 49,600 in 2002 to 28,000 in 2005. The measures undertaken in this area include pre-movement testing, intensified blood testing of the national herd, cow monitoring at slaughter plants, rapid depopulation and delayed repopulation, the tightening up on illegal cattle movements, the regulation of dealers, prosecutions for breaches and the imposition of penalties for a failure to comply with animal disease and identification regulations. I am very pleased that these measures have shown positive results.
The progress made in tackling brucellosis has been particularly dramatic in recent years. The number of blood positives fell from 6,400 in 1998 to 228 in 2005 and is expected to fall further this year. However, the improvement is most evident in cases of depopulation, the number of which fell from 328 in 1998 to 27 last year. This trend has been maintained into 2006. To date this year there have only been three depopulations. Brucellosis levels are now at an all time low and the ultimate goal of eradication is at last a realistic prospect. However, for this to be achieved, it is essential to retain for now all aspects of the existing intensive programme. In addition, it is extremely important that farmers continue to adopt appropriate replacement policies and implement effective bio-security measures.
I am grateful for the co-operation of all of the parties, including the farming organisations, who have contributed to the success to date and I am confident their ongoing co-operation will result in the eventual eradication of a disease that had created so much difficulty for many farmers over the years.
There has been a steady but less dramatic decline in the number of TB reactors from 44,900 in 1999 to approximately 26,000 in 2005. As the House will be aware, the eradication of this disease is particularly difficult because of the reservoir of TB in the badger population. The Department has adopted a range of measures to address this issue, for example, a wildlife programme involving the targeted removal of badgers where they are implicated in a TB outbreak has been rolled out and the gamma interferon test is more frequently used as an adjunct to the tuberculin test in problem herds. These measures have contributed to the reduction in the incidence of disease in recent years.
The Department will continue to monitor and review the effectiveness and efficiency of the TB eradication programme on an on-going basis with a view to the eventual eradication of the disease. In this context, notwithstanding the fact that the existing wildlife strategy has contributed to a reduction in the incidence of bovine TB, it is accepted that the development of a vaccine for badgers is a prerequisite if the eradication of tuberculosis from the cattle population is to achieved. The Department plans to commence a large-scale field trial of BCG in badgers in the near future to test the efficacy of a vaccine. However, any vaccine will not be available in the immediate future and in the meantime the existing programme, updated as appropriate in light of developments, will remain in place.
As a consequence of falling reactor numbers, operational costs of the scheme are falling and are expected to be €47 million in 2006 compared with €76 million in 2002. Compensation costs in particular have fallen from €48 million in 2002 to an estimated €18 million in 2006 and may fall again in 2007. In line with this, disease levies were reduced by €5 million a year in both 2004 and 2005. In view of the anticipated reduction in the disease level, the Government is now proposing to reduce the disease levies by a further 50% from 1 January 2007. The proposed new rates should yield revenue of the order of €5 million in 2007 compared with €10.4 million in 2006. The cumulative reductions since 2003 are worth €15 million a year to farmers.
I hope the committee will accept the motion and allow us to proceed with the proposed reductions as and from 1 January 2007.
I thank the Minister for her presentation. I invite questions from members.
I welcome the Minister and take this opportunity to warmly welcome the announcement of the 50% cut in disease levies. This is a very positive step and the agricultural community and the Department are to be complimented on the work they have done to progress the eradication of both these diseases. I hope we will reach a point where brucellosis is completely eradicated and the incidence of TB in the cattle herd is dramatically reduced.
Extensive discussions have taken place at EU level on farmers footing the bill for the full cost of disease eradication and compensation. What is the position? Should we suffer a major outbreak of disease in the future, the disease will be imported, for example an outbreak of avian flu through migratory birds or contaminated feed causing an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Farmers should not have to foot the bill or put contingency plans in place where they are not responsible for the disease outbreak. Will the Minister elaborate on the position at EU level?
Will the Minister outline the progress to date in dealing with Johne's disease and what steps have been taken in the Department to try to eradicate it? A delegation from the committee held discussions in the United Kingdom on the eradication of TB. In the UK, it was found that a significant percentage of negatives to the tuberculin skin test were positive when the gamma interferon test was used as a confirmatory test. While the animals had been taken out of the herd through the tuberculin skin test, they found it was easier and quicker to deal with TB in a herd by using the gamma interferon test as a confirmatory test as they were able to pick out the reactors on day one rather than having to wait for the reactors over a period. Will the Minister outline the role of the gamma interferon test and whether lessons must be learned from what has happened in the UK? I accept that not everything that happens in the UK can be transposed to Ireland. The information we have gleaned from badger culls is contradictory to what has happened in the UK.
It was very interesting to learn that the UK authorities are extremely proactive at farm level in dealing with the issue of bio-security. It was brought to our attention that contamination by wildlife, in particular badgers can occur if they have access to silage pits. I was not aware of that up to now. The UK authorities are very proactive at farm level in trying to reduce cross-contamination from badgers to the cattle herd. I know we take steps at farm level to deal with bio-security but a great deal more could be done to raise awareness among farmers on issues that could have an impact on the spread of disease.
Will the Minister outline the status of the animal health Bill and when it is proposed to publish it? The legislation relating to animal diseases needs to be modernised and updated.
We raised the issue of allowing farmers to see the scales in meat plants. I understand it is at the discretion of the factory whether a farmer has access to see the scales and the tare that is put on the scales. A number of farmer have brought it to my attention that they should be able to see their animal being weighed, even from outside the plant itself. There is a related problem in that if the Department comes across a case in which the scales are tampered with or are not weighing the carcase properly, it is not in a position to prosecute the meat plant. Under the law as it stands, the scales must be recalibrated on an annual basis but owing to an ongoing industrial dispute in the weights and measures section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, this has not been done. Therefore, the Department cannot prosecute, even if an anomaly arises. This is a small issue but it is very frustrating for many farmers in that they do not have access to the scales. We need to examine this issue in tandem with ensuring the machines are properly calibrated and that prosecutions can be taken if an abuse is taking place.
I welcome the Minister and Mr. Healy from the Department. We have good news all round on this issue and I certainly welcome the decision to reduce the levies. There is also good news and a very positive trend regarding brucellosis. It seems we are on the brink of arriving at a point where brucellosis could be eliminated entirely. Will the Minister outline why there is not always depopulation where there are blood positives on foot of brucella testing? This needs to be clarified.
Most of the questions I wanted to ask have already been asked, particularly those on the gammainterferon test. I am interested in the significance of this test relative to the tuberculin test and how the combined effect of the tests could give us a clearer picture of the incidence of tuberculosis and a more rapid result, which is important.
We need to be constantly aware of the issues of bio-security and the risk of other animal diseases. Clearly, many of the bacterial or viral diseases have no regard for national borders, as we have often said. Although we may have stopped talking about bird flu, it does not mean it has gone away. I understand there are now new strains emerging in China, which are creating problems again. The strains are showing different patterns of resistance and we clearly need to be concerned about this. The same applies to Johne's disease. There are concerns over how this can be managed in the longer term.
Is the vaccine for the badgers available here? Is it the case that it has been developed but that we have not gained access to it yet? When will the first field trials take place?
I compliment the Minister and those in her Department who have been working in these two areas. Obviously, the proposed reduction in the disease levies will be welcomed on all sides of the House. Any measure that delivers an additional €15 million per annum to the farming population must be welcomed.
I have had badgers on my farm for decades but have never had a tuberculosis problem because of them, nor have my neighbours. What is the extent of the science on this problem? How many infected badgers are there? When I hear about badgers being "removed", I take it this means they are being culled. Where they are discovered to be infected with the disease, does the Department cull them?
I welcome the Minister and her officials. I compliment the Department and the farming organisations on ensuring the implementation of the measure. I welcome the reduction of the levies.
My question is probably not related directly to what we are talking about today but it is related to the disease regulations. As we are aware, there is now 30-day testing for animals. It is time the Department considered extending this to 45 days, especially in respect of young animals destined for live export. The farmer is under duress in that he has only about two weeks to get shut of his animals. With weather conditions as they are, sailings can be cancelled. If the allowed period expires in such circumstances, another round of testing is necessitated. I ask the Minister and Mr. Healy to consider extending the test period.
I, too, welcome the Minister and her officials and I compliment her on the good work that has been done by her Department, not just in terms of diseases but right across the board. She has had a very good year.
I second Deputy Carty's request to extend the test period to 45 days. It should be taken on board.
On the figures on reactors and those found with TB lesions, can I take it there were roughly 2,000 reactors that had not got TB? How can the problem in this regard, which has featured for many years, be solved? Is there a reason for it?
I, too, thank the Minister and Mr. Healy for attending. I apologise on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Naughten, who had to leave the meeting to address another issue in the House. He will be back and meant no disrespect to the Minister.
I welcome any decrease in costs to farmers, but I would prefer to see the costs being done away with. The collapse in milk prices is such that the dairy sector is coming under very dramatic pressure. When individuals such as John Boylan and others, who led the way in farm organisation down through the years, find it necessary to sell out completely, one must realise the difficulties.
There has been much comment on badgers, but deer also pose a threat in some places. Deer enclosed for quite some time, as in Dartry Wood in County Monaghan, are absolutely clear of infection, but if they spread out into the open countryside and encounter an infected herd, the infection will clearly spread. This occurred in the immediate area some years ago. It is very important that the deer and badgers be monitored and controlled. So many farmers have lost their livelihood as a direct result of the problem. Some individuals have much more sympathy for the badgers than for the human beings and their families who lose out.
On the issue of compensation, the matter of pure-bred herds has been brought to the attention of the Minister. Where a pure-bred herd went down under the anti-BSE scheme, farmers received the full value therefor. If a herd is destroyed in the interest of eradicating TB, however, it is valued at a much lower price.
A well known herd in County Monaghan was cleaned out last year and the losses incurred were phenomenal. It is alright to tell somebody he should have insurance but, given the price of milk nowadays, the income level is not high enough to justify its cost. If we are to upgrade our national herd and make sure we have the best cattle possible, we must acknowledge that those in the dairy sector whose herds are destroyed owing to TB are equally entitled to full compensation as the ordinary commercial farmer. I urge that this be considered.
The Chairman and I, given that we live in the Border area, are interested in all-Ireland disease status. We can do miracles in the Twenty-six Counties but if our counterparts across the Border are not involved to the same extent, our doing so is of questionable value. While there is great co-operation, there is no common system. There are herd-owners with farms on both sides of the Border and this must be considered. I know an area between the Clones Border area and Cavan where the Border goes up and down like a yo-yo. The same is the case in south Armagh. I urge that the Department and its counterpart in Northern Ireland do everything possible to create an all-Ireland disease control system.
I support Deputies Carty and Blaney in their request for an extension of the test period.
On BSE, there is an urgent need to extend the 30-month age limit to 36 months. I cannot over-emphasise the difficulties the present system causes and the way the factories exploit it at times. The majority of our herd is calved in the spring and the factories know the cattle must be sold before they reach 30 months, which is generally in the autumn. If the age limit could be extended to 36 months, it would prevent the forced sale of the herd and significantly alleviate the pressure exerted by the factories. There is no question but that carcases go into the same market and the fact is that no animals of the age I suggest have ever been found with BSE. It is a matter of trying to persuade our European counterparts that we are unique in having grass-fed cattle that are not force fed, as occurs in Germany, Holland and elsewhere, where they are sold much younger. This is a very critical issue for Ireland.
I compliment the Minister and welcome her and Mr. Healy. Without repeating what has been said by other speakers, I concur with them in thanking the Minister and the Department on the great job they have done.
In my constituency, Limerick West, the poultry industry is in serious trouble. Some 350 factory workers have been laid off and approximately 200 of the factory's growers and suppliers have been affected. The employees of the factory will naturally get their redundancy package but the growers and suppliers will get nothing other than empty chicken sheds. They have nothing and theirs is a once-off case. I thank the Minister for meeting these people and for giving them a very sympathetic hearing. I hope she and the other members of the Cabinet, in their wisdom, will determine what can be done to help them financially.
Senator Scanlon has left to make up a quorum and I will allow him to contribute when he returns.
I, too, welcome the decrease in the levies and compliment the Minister and her officials on bringing it about. We all know there is a decrease in the incidence of TB and brucellosis but unfortunately there was a serious outbreak of the latter two years ago in the Ballinacree area, which is close to the Westmeath-Cavan border. An enormous number of herds had to be depopulated within a radius of two or three miles. I am thankful clearance has been granted and that the farmers are again involved in dairying and suckling. However, the same problem has arisen once more in another small area. Good friends of mine, who live a couple of miles from me, have lost 11 animals in the first test and 57 in the second. The infection is coming from one small area, almost from one tract of land. We have all received notification from veterinary personnel in the Department asking that they be allowed check for badgers.
Deputy Naughten mentioned that we were in London last week with the Minister's junior counterpart and officials. We noted that Britain seems to have a similar problem with badgers. When there is a serious outbreak in the United Kingdom, cameras are placed in the yards at night. Badgers can travel four to five miles, and in some cases more, in one night. It was found that the silage pits and particularly the troughs from with the badgers drink water pose a threat. I stated a drinking trough should be placed three or four feet off the ground but it has been proven that a badger can climb six feet to drink therefrom. This is hard to believe but it has been demonstrated by the cameras. Will the Department consider placing cameras in yards of at-risk herds in the winter when there is a risk of a serious outbreak?
I have spoken to the Minister and her predecessor on many occasions about testing factory-bound cattle that exceed the 12-month limit. Such testing is crazy and imposes an unnecessary expense on farmers given that animals entering factories are being tested in any case. Will the Minister consider this issue?
I support Deputy Crawford's proposition that we extend the 30-month age limit on BSE testing to 36 months. I know the Minister has done much work on this, has made an application to the European Union and will continue to fight our case in this regard. There is absolutely no need for the 30-month age limit that obtains at present.
The trend of the meeting seems to be to blame the badger but in that case it is very hard to understand Deputy Ó Fearghaíl's point that the badger has not posed a problem on his farm.
I hope we will receive an answer to that, if possible.
With regard to the oral vaccine, there is the same licencing procedure in the United Kingdom for vaccines for animals and humans before trials can commence. It takes five years before approval is given to carry out vaccinations. A type of BCG vaccine which is already regarded as safe will probably be used. Must we go through the same licencing procedure and do we have the same rules and regulations?
I understand the committee is supportive of the reduction in disease levies. The incidence of a number of diseases has reduced. Unfortunately, we had to deal with new diseases and given the way of the world, we do not know what others may come our way. I am glad to see the reduction. It gives us time to re-evaluate where we stand regarding these diseases.
I will put together a number of technical issues apart from TB and brucellosis. The issue of farmers paying the full cost of disease eradication was raised. It was considered under the new state aid rules and removed from them. However, our colleagues in the United Kingdom produced a paper to reconsider it. A number of my colleagues believe all farmers should be insured against losses. We discussed this issue on a number of occasions but the matter has not been finalised. The immediate pursuit of payment of the full cost was removed from the agenda. However, one must always be on one's guard.
A concern expressed to me by my technical veterinary staff about the gamma test is that it produces too many false positives. On this basis, it is only used as an adjunct to the tuberculin test. The issue of bio-security is very much to the fore in the Department. A great deal of research and collaborative work takes place between our laboratory staff, particularly at UCD, veterinary staff and practitioners. We evolve and change our bio-security measures depending on the risk presented by a particular disease.
We also use the cameras in use in the United Kingdom and have photographic evidence of badgers entering troughs and houses. Unlike our colleagues in the United Kingdom, the results of geographical tests we carried out show a considerable reduction in the incidence of the disease as a consequence of work done. One of the tests was carried out in County Offaly which I visited to see the outcome. It is an open secret that the UK Minister, Mr. Ben Bradshaw, and I did not agree on a number of issues pertaining to wildlife. However, it is a matter for the British Government to decide how the eradication of the disease should be pursued. The work we did indicated greater clarity and a reduction in the incidence of the disease.
On one of my first visits to the committee as Minister for Agriculture and Food I raised the matter of a vaccine. We are anxious to see one made available. To this end, work is ongoing with UCD. We must go through the accreditation and licencing system. However, the view is that it will progress quickly and that tests will be carried out this year. Moreover, if it shows efficacy, progression towards full licencing will not take long.
Until I began this job, I did not know badgers ate chocolate which contained the vaccine. This might be of help in another part of the agri-food sector. It was found to be the best way to attract——
That is an idea for new product development.
It would be fabulous because it would address existing concerns.
The question as to how many badgers there are was asked. The answer is approximately 200,000. The rate of infectivity is between 16% and 25%, a considerable percentage. It is important, therefore, that we finalise the matter as soon as possible.
I previously raised the issue of wild deer which are not considered to present as great a threat as badgers. In my part of the world concerns were expressed, particularly on peninsulas and in other areas in which one finds large herds of wild deer. A comparative analysis shows badgers do greater damage. This is a matter on which we have concentrated.
One of my problems with the 12-month rule is that a great deal of the legislation with which we work is EU legislation. Getting my colleagues to change a number of these legislative measures is more than difficult. As I stated previously, I will consider re-evaluating a number of regulations, some of which were put in place in reaction to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. We wish to see some of them become obsolete as diseases have been eradicated. Mr. Healy and I are evaluating some of the rules and regulations in place.
One rule specifically applies to the BSE test. The European Parliament considered the matter and its view is that it should not be changed. However, as a Minister within the Council, I will argue, as will my officials on my behalf, that while this may be the European Parliament's view, each member state should be entitled to change the rules according to its figures. I am delighted to note that the BSE figures have reduced dramatically. Only one incident was reported last month. The number has reduced to 40 from 333, a major change which we must reflect in the legislative framework. Other regulations cannot be changed, rightly so.
I will be up-front on the matter of new legislation which I considered introducing this year.
It should not be introduced. We do not have the time to deal with this matter. Many of us would presume new legislation would relax the situation. However, I am aghast at the prospect that this might not be the outcome.
On that basis, I would prefer if we had legislation — regardless of the identity of the person who eventually brings it before the Oireachtas — that is more considered and that reflects some of the changes that have taken place in the context of the country's disease status. I do not want to rush through important legislation that would have an effect opposite to that which we desire. I agree that there is a need to consolidate a number of the statutory instruments. Every week a different matter arises and there is need for consolidated legislation to which we might refer. There is no point in my introducing legislation that is not fully considered and then being obliged to amend it. We should take more time to consider the issue. I am not sure whether the heads of a Bill will become available to me in the near future. However, we should not introduce legislation that will need to be amended ad infinitum. Members would not want us to put in place something that would have an effect opposite to that originally envisaged.
On the issue of brucellosis, major opportunities will arise as a consequence of the peace dividend, particularly in terms of having an all-island health policy. There are a number of issues, however, in which perhaps some members of the farming fraternity in Northern Ireland might not be interested. For example, Larne would have to be designated a port of importation. At present, the North works within its own framework as part of another member state and we are obliged to change the regulations between ourselves and Northern Ireland. That matter would have to be considered by the farming fraternity. Over and above that, an all-island policy would be hugely beneficial. I represent a constituency in which 50% of the land relating to certain farms is located in County Fermanagh, while the other 50% lies in County Donegal.
The lifting of the ban by Europe on the export of beef from the UK has caused me some concern regarding the disease status of and the disease levels in some herds in Northern Ireland. I did not, therefore, consider a relaxation of the rules relating to brucellosis. Many members will be aware that there is still a high incidence of brucellosis in Northern Ireland. Given the close proximity of some of our marts in the north and north west to that jurisdiction, I continue to have serious reservations with regard to relaxing those rules. From the beginning of the year to September, 249 reactors were discovered in Northern Ireland. There has been a reduction of 15% but the overall figure remains quite high in comparison with that which obtains here. More time is required in respect of seeing how this matter develops. However, senior officials of my Department meet the Northern Ireland authorities in the context of working towards achieving an all-island health policy. There are many matters on which we can agree and in respect of which we can make progress.
It has taken some time to encourage people to discuss Johne's disease and other diseases. The ICMSA has been to the fore in pursuing this matter and I believe we should have a herd health policy. I have commenced work on developing such a policy in the context of considering issues such as BVD, Johne's disease — both of which are peculiar to the dairy sector — and the control of mastitis. I have received quite an enthusiastic response from people in terms of their participation. The veterinarians have also indicated their desire to participate. We will establish a new herd health initiative in the near future, particularly in respect of the dairy sector which faces quite a number of challenges.
Members involved in any of the sciences will appreciate that there have been a number of false positives. This relates to the matter Deputy Blaney raised in respect of lesions. Once the latter appear, the animals in question are deemed to be positive and they must be put through the system. In the context of the level of depopulation versus the number of positives, we carry out 4.5 million tests and it is inevitable that there will be false positives. That is why it is necessary to carry out the second test.
One of the progressive steps Ireland has taken is that it has been completely up-front. We have tested and, therefore, we have the relevant statistics available and are aware of that with which we are dealing. Several other countries sometimes deny the existence of diseases among their animals. Some of those that admit to diseases among their animals, cannot identify such diseases because they do not test them. A number of people have said to me that if one tests, one will find anything. The reason Bord Bia can inform foreign authorities that Ireland knows what it is dealing with is that it carries out various tests, it can provide assurances in respect of the disease levels among its animals and it has a good traceability system in place. What we have done is infinitely better than that done by other countries which do not even test.
I accept that our system leads to impositions on farmers and gives rise to stress. Any farmer whose animals are affected by any of the diseases to which I refer suffers a great deal of stress. It is our intention to eventually eradicate these diseases and we have done a fair job in respect of ensuring that this will happen.
The money relating to the levies eventually goes back to the farmers and that is very important. As already stated, this is an evolving policy framework. In other words, if, as a consequence of re-evaluating our status, we identify opportunities for change, my officials and I will be more than happy to take action in that regard.
What is the position regarding weights and measures?
I have noticed that a number of companies invite farmers to visit their premises to see what happens to the animals. Some processors are extremely open in this regard. There is a perception that farmers are not being looked after or that they are not obtaining what they seek. Calibration is carried out on an independent basis. Farmers would not trust the Department to carry out calibration, so it is done by the Legal Metrology Service. I am not aware of any major dispute regarding the calibration of weight but disputes may have arisen in respect of the grading of animals. I will inquire whether an industrial dispute is taking place with regard to calibration.
Is there a mechanism that could be put in place to give farmers the right to view the scales without compromising food safety rules and regulations?
Some new factories have areas that are separated from the remainder of the premises by means of glass partitions in order that people are not physically exposed to the killing or processing of animals. We might be able to consider taking action in the context of the new €50 million investment programme. These factories are places of work and the environment within them is dangerous. One does not, therefore, want to allow people tramp about the place. If a farmer invited to view work practices at a factory were to fall, there might be repercussions for the owner and it could result in a closed shop. Flexibility is required. In the main, the weight issue is not the one which is problematic. We will certainly examine it.
Will the Minister examine it in the context of grant aid?
Yes, probably. We can discuss it.
I thank the Minister. Is it agreed the committee recommends no further debate is required on the motion by the Dáil or the Seanad? Agreed. A report to this effect will be circulated at the end of the meeting for adoption. I extend the compliments of the season to members and technical staff of the committee and the Minister and her staff. I suggest members eat plenty at Christmas because we have a great deal of walking to do in the new year.
I would like to add my compliments to the Chairman, members of the committee and staff for their work. It was a long year with a great deal of deliberation and debate on many issues. It is incumbent on all of us to get rest and relaxation over Christmas.
I would like to echo those sentiments to members of the committee, the Minister and staff here and at the Department who are always available to furnish information to the committee. I wish everyone and their families and friends a happy and peaceful Christmas. We look forward to plenty of exercise in 2007.
Some of us need it.
On behalf of the Labour Party, I add my good wishes to everybody and thank the Minister, staff at the Department of Agriculture and Food, our staff and members for a co-operative committee. I wish everybody the best for 2007.
I thank the Minister and her staff and members of the committee for their co-operation and the Chairman for not calling on me too much.