Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Scannell for making the time to join us today. His presentation and initial answers have been very helpful. It is important to consider the origins of the Common Agricultural Policy because much of the focus in our generation has been on surpluses and so on. The first Commissioner, Sicco Mansholt, came from a hungry Europe where there was famine in his native Netherlands. Few will disagree with the view that surplus is certainly better than famine. Having an assurance of food is something we all take for granted. Just as we should not take peace in Europe for granted anymore, we certainly should not take food security for granted. That is an important point to make.

In that vein, I want to focus on the immediate situation arising from the conflict in Ukraine. When I say conflict, for the avoidance of doubt, it is the absolutely unconscionable assault on Ukraine by Russia. Mr. Scannell spoke about solidarity lanes, rail and so on. From all the evidence we have received, these will not go anywhere close to moving the actual harvest of wheat, maize or sunflower product that is normally exported from Ukraine. Am I right in saying the only realistic way of getting significant access to market is for some mechanism to reopen the Black Sea ports?

I read the EU Council conclusions last week. They put considerable focus on supporting the United Nations efforts in that regard. Does Mr. Scannell think there are real prospects for that? I ask him to quantify what the alternatives would be in the event that the Black Sea ports remain unusable. We know the logistics of the different rail gauges between Moldova and Romania. These are logistical issues that cannot be instantly overcome.

My next question relates to the alternatives. Mr. Scannell spoke about Europe being able to access sufficient grain on international markets. What is the increased capacity from countries like Canada and the United States? Have other countries increased production this year? It is well and good to say that we can be assured of food security in Europe, which of course is important, but it cannot be at the cost of starvation elsewhere. I am wondering what the global situation will be.

My final question relates to the broader issue touched upon by Deputy Calleary. I ask about the ongoing medium-term impact of climate change particularly on water availability in southern Europe. There is drought in Italy and Spain. Agricultural land which is normally very productive may in the medium term become unproductive.

I am interested in Mr. Scannell's opinion on how that is being assessed currently and what particular actions, if any, we can take to address that.