He might complete his business too quickly.

I will give the Acting Chairperson plenty of chances to catch his breath now. Section 35 relates to attendance at the Committee of Public Accounts. It is important that we acknowledge this section, which I welcome and am glad to see in the Bill. It provides that the Committee of Public Accounts can request the regulator to come and give some account of that body's operations. That is to be welcomed.

Section 36 relates to attendance at the relevant sectoral Oireachtas committees. Again, that is important. We have seen how effective the Oireachtas committees are with regard to RTÉ and other matters. We see it in all the sectoral committees. They have a strong, good function in respect of scrutiny, accountability and transparency. Much more is happening at these committees than in either the Dáil or Seanad. I welcome that inclusion in the Bill.

I move amendment No. 2: In page 30, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: “Minister’s Report 45 . (1) The Minister working in conjunction with the Regulator shall produce a report within two years of the passing of this Act. (2) The report shall detail the success of the implementation of this Act and outline how further provisions can be made to stop below costing selling of agricultural products, the use of fake farms and creameries if necessary. (3) The report shall also state if further cooperation …

I note the Minister's response.

I move amendment No. 3: In page 42, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: “(7) The Agri-Food Unfair Trading Regulation may specify that a particular agricultural or food product may not be sold by a retailer for less than the cost of production. The cost of production is to be determined by Teagasc or suitably qualified expert appointed by the Regulator. (8) The Agri-Food Unfair Trading Regulations may specify that a particular agricultural or food product may not be procured by a retailer for less than…

I hear what the Minister is saying. In terms of clarity, it is important the Minister has had his time to respond. I have set out the ask of the IFA and would like to push the amendment.

I move amendment No. 4: In page 45, between lines 25 and 26, to insert the following: “(7) Upon completion of the process, any complainant with a valid complaint shall be reimbursed for any fees incurred as a result of going through the complaints process. The complainant shall not be reimbursed for incurring any additional fees that were not set by the Minister or the Department.”. In terms of cost, I think this is a really important amendment. The rationale arises from an issue brought up by the IFA during pre-le…

That has given some clarity. It is the first time we have heard mention of a fee of €20 or €30. That is interesting. We have also learned that the Minister does not intend to bring in any fees at the moment. It will be kept under review. This is my understanding. I am not seeking to put words in the Minister's mouth. He can confirm or tell me if I am wrong. There will no fees and it will be under consideration. Does the Minster feel we should not proceed with this amendment?

Okay, so we have it on the record of the House that there are no fees at the moment.

Will the Minister come back to the House if he plans to introduce fees?

If the Minister were to introduce fees, it would be done by regulation.

I thank the Minister for the engagement.

I note what the Minister has stated and I am happy to withdraw the amendment.

I am happy to. I can press it, but will the Minister accept it? No.

I take the Minister's word that it will be dealt with by regulation.

I agree with Senator Daly and also thank the Minister. I have said it time and again. The Minister is amenable to having discussions outside these Chambers to explain the rationale and thought process of his policy and direction, which is helpful. I start by thanking his officials. That is where it is at. We do not have to be at loggerheads. It is lonesome to be in the Opposition. There are so few of us. The vast majority of Senators belong to Government parties. The record of any amendments ever being passed in an…

I join with the Cathaoirleach in welcoming the guests. This is a special day because we are celebrating the anniversary, as the Cathaoirleach said, of the visit of John F. Kennedy, as President of the United States of America, to Ireland. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his leadership as well and especially for hosting the breakfast this morning that we shared with many people at the celebration. It was a nice but simple opportunity to come together and listen to some inspirational speeches. I again thank the Cathaoi…

This section just deals with training. The Minister will be familiar with it. This is the kernel of this important Bill. We do need training and I will loosely speak on the issue. We do need upskilling. We have ICOS Skillnet from the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, we have the Irish Farmers Association, IFA and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, ICMSA, and all the agricultural bodies. There are green certs and other education and we incentivise farmers in compliance with EU regulations. This is…

I too join in thanking the Minister. I have time and time again said that when a Minister works with parliamentarians it makes everything easier. I again acknowledge his hands-on engagement and discussions at our joint committee, which are always very meaningful, fruitful and respectful and that is important. As Senator Paul Daly said, and he is a member of the joint committee like myself, we have engaged extensively with stakeholders. Initially, people were not happy but they have travelled on a journey. At the en…