Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

It is coming from the French and the Germans because we are the leaders in this industry not only in Europe but in the world. I point out to people whether they are on the left or the right that I come from the town of Fethard in which not a bob was spent by anybody except the people who invested in this industry. The constituency of south Tipperary has benefited from such investment and anyone who visits that area will notice that. Many young people are employed in this industry and many have been trained in it and made their way on to the world stage from small beginnings. I record that the position I outlined will remain my position for as long as I am a Member of this House. People should keep a cool head in this debate.

Another major issue I want to raise is decentralisation, which was the subject of a major announcement in last year's budget. That programme was badly handled by the current Administration. It floundered because road and rail infrastructure is not in place. Any capital investment in that infrastructure will be productive. At a time of economic buoyancy, this Government should not be afraid to roll out investment in our infrastructure to allow people to decentralise. The decentralisation programme floundered because people were afraid to move to other parts of the country because of a lack of infrastructure.

Significant changes have taken place in the agriculture sector. I listened to the debate on the nitrates directive at the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food. There is a fear in rural areas about the impact that directive will have on the agricultural economy. The Government must consider funding to help those people and provide the means for them to compete in the agricultural world. Many of those people, particularly the top class commercial farmers who are the backbone of this country, need help to get over this hump.

See this speech in context