Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

The interests of concerned stakeholders, staff, the horticultural sector, including amenity, are adequately safeguarded within the proposed new strengthened organisation. Maximising the potential of the food and horticultural sectors in a competitive environment will not be easy and will require clear vision and the joint commitment of all stakeholders. Bringing together the expertise and professionalism of Bord Glas and Bord Bia offers better long-term prospects for the promotion of this key indigenous economic sector which is based on renewable natural resources, a unique landscape and a committed capacity to deliver what the consumer wants with greater integrated promotion, development and marketing programmes in the exciting years ahead. I commend the Bill to the House and look forward to dealing with specific issues on Committee and Report Stages. I thank all the Deputies who contributed to the debate.

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