Noel Grealish (Galway West, Progressive Democrats)

I am pleased to have an opportunity to speak on this important issue. As a rural Deputy, I have met many farmers and representatives of veterinary medicine companies over the last few weeks. This is an important issue in rural Ireland and I am delighted that this motion has come before the House.

I have just a few moments and recognise that many of the important points have already been made, so I will focus on just three. Last night the Minister mentioned the serious misunderstanding of the draft regulations on the part of the Opposition. I listened with a certain amount of disbelief to the contributions from that side of the House which stated that this Government has a blatant disregard for Ireland's food industry and is more interested in attracting transient foreign investment than supporting indigenous employers. That is just plain wrong.

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