Will the Minister agree that this problem has not arisen suddenly, even though Deputy O'Keeffe has only suddenly become aware of it, but rather over many years? Regardless of what incentives he may give will the Minister ask the IFA and the ICMSA in his negotiations with them what incentives they intend to offer their own members to stop the export of 20,000 calves and to create the jobs which are so badly needed in this country?

What the Deputy has said with his usual degree of conviction is something which I would reflect, although not by way of criticism of the organisations. Action is required by way of decisions and discipline from all concerned and it is clear that those involved, and the organisations recognise this, should encourage farmers to become more conscious of the consequences of cow slaughtering. The good news is, and I am glad to be able to say it in this House, that cow slaughterings over recent months are much less than had been feared. Perhaps the farming organisations and the farmers themselves are acting in a very disciplined fashion.

I am anxious to facilitate Deputies but, at the same time, I do not want Deputies to pursue a question on which the Chair has allowed adequate representation. I am now going to call Deputy Farrelly, to be followed by Deputy Boylan and Deputy McCoy. I ask them to be very brief.