May I ask the Minister if he would accept that the need for a replacement agency, such as the National Milk Agency, has been clearly outlined to his Department over the past two years, that he was, in fact, aware of the need to introduce the legislation necessary to set up this agency and that he indicated, almost two years ago, that the setting up of the agency was imminent? Does the Minister intend that the procedures would be expedited and that we will not have to wait for another long period, conscious of the great damage being done to the industry in the absence of that agency?

I can tell the House that the draft Bill to set up the agency has been prepared and that consultations are taking place with all sides of the industry. We are expected to complete those shortly. If some amendments to the draft Bill are necessary as a result of the consultations which are taking place they will be sent to the draftsman. I can tell the Deputy, as far as the Government are concerned, we have advanced it to the point of being ready to present it.