Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Regarding that industry, sometimes we are afraid to say that it creates lots of jobs and there are lots of people involved in it. Concerning alcohol, we could ban everything we want in the world. Everything is dangerous if it is mis-consumed. Regarding the trade show, there are many people involved in many sectors of the food and drink industry who would like to be able to get on the trade shows. I know Bord Bia tries to bring as many companies as possible. I ask Mr. O'Toole to look at a few of the young companies setting up in this country and give them the opportunity. Sometimes, established companies find it easier to get to these trade shows and they are actually able to go there and show their goods themselves, whereas people setting out find it difficult. In looking for markets, I ask that Bord Bia try its best to support these companies. The trade shows are very important. Bord Bia does a very important job for the country and does it well. People can be critical of State agencies, but as a State agency, Bord Bia continues to do a very good job.