Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

The Opposition will not get the opportunity to destroy the economy.

The high level of these exports at €7.5 billion and the use of mainly indigenous resources mean the sector accounts for a significant level of the net foreign earnings from the trade of manufactured goods. The commitment of the Government to the long-term development of agriculture, food, forestry, and a vibrant rural economy is evident from the high level of public expenditure on the sector each year. The expected spend by the Department this year will be more than €3.2 billion. Last year was a very good year for farm incomes which rose by 24%, according to the Central Statistics Office, to reach a record €2.8 billion.

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