Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was said this morning that it is the first time Kildare and Kerry have had good news on the same day. It does not happen too often. We can see the value of the Kerry Group's investment in the site in Naas, which will create 900 jobs and 400 construction jobs. It will be an investment of over €100 million, which demonstrates the absolute strength of the food industry in Ireland. This is an indigenous company set up 40 years ago. It ties in with much of what we are saying about the importance of the food sector, which is one of the good news stories in the economy. We must do everything we can as a Government and country to support this sector and help it grow.

There are a couple of points regarding Mr. Barry's presentation. The scale in the context of Food Harvest 2020 is colossal; the starting point of the country and its production has dairy exports at 2.7 billion litres. With the proposed increase of 50% in milk volumes, is there a risk that we are putting all our eggs into one basket or leaving ourselves a little vulnerable if we go down the dairy line like this? There was a point that the input cost volatility could be to Ireland's competitive advantage but will the witness expand on that?

What is Mr. Kelly's view on the sugar industry? He is aware of attempts being made to try to get Ireland producing sugar again within a quota system or otherwise if the system is gone by 2015. What impact will be felt by the food and drink industry if Ireland gets back into producing sugar? I am sure it is a key stakeholder in the process.