Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Go raibh maith agat a Cheann Comhairle. I dtús báire, ba mhaith liom mo chuid ama a roinnt le mo chomhghleacaithe, na Teachtaí Johnny Brady agus Séamus Kirk. I propose the motion be amended as follows:

To delete all words after "Dail Eireann" and substitute the following:

"noting the economic, social and environmental importance of the agri-food industry, acknowledges the Government's continuing commitment and proactive approach to the development of a consumer focused, innovative and sustainable sector in line with the AgriVision 2015 Action Plan and as enunciated in the national development plan; commends the specific actions taken by the Government for this purpose including:

the introduction of an €8.7 billion agri-food package in the national development plan;

the efficient delivery of €1.3 billion annually in single farm payments;

the capital investment programme for the meat and dairy industries as well as investment in research and development;

the protection of consumer and animal health including the strict application of EU regulations controlling the importation of products of animal origin; and

the active pursuance at EU level of improvements in the EU labelling regulations while, at the same time, improving national meat labelling regulations."

I am delighted to have the opportunity to outline to the House this Government's strategy in leading the development of a consumer focused, competitive, innovative and sustainable agri-food sector and the proactive manner in which we are driving this strategy. This Government and previous Fianna Fáil-led governments have not wavered in their commitment to agriculture and the agri-food sector. This commitment is based on a firm belief that the sector is the most important indigenous industry in Ireland, not only in economic terms but also for the social and environmental benefits which it brings to the country.

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