Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

They are afraid that if they try to defend the Minister on the issues highlighted in the motion they will be lynched, literally, when they return to their constituencies at the weekend. There is a lack of direction in the Department of Agriculture and Food and in the Government with regard to agricultural issues. Agriculture is unlike the Government's other pet sectors, including biotechnology or information and communications technology. The Government is failing to provide strong direction on the future development of agriculture and the food industry. Sadly, that is the reality.

The Minister had it within her control to do something about labelling but nothing has been done about it.

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