Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Having listened to the debate so far, it is interesting that for the first time since I came to the House, we are all talking from the one hymn sheet. It is a question of how we deliver a result for the Irish people and the citizens of Europe generally. Deputy Mansergh referred to the stimulating discussion that took place with our Northern Ireland counterparts this week. The points he raised were well made. Some 50 or 60 years ago, however, in the aftermath of the Second World War, the EU was founded on the basis of ensuring peace and security for the nations of Europe. One aspect of this was to ensure an adequate food supply. The Union now incorporates some 500 million people and we are no longer self-sufficient in food.

The Commissioner for Trade, Mr. Peter Mandelson, is operating on a mandate arising out of research that is seven years old, when food security and production was based on a different model to that which pertains today. CAP reform, various environmental schemes and an increased population have all contributed to lower agricultural production in the EU. The Commissioner's current proposals would take €40 billion out of the agri-food sector and render certain agricultural activities unviable. In such an eventuality, we could become entirely dependent on imported foods.

As I said last week, there is a danger that we will be 500 million people at the end of a gas line from Russia and a food line from God knows where. I am not sure where our food will come from. The Argentinian authorities, for example, are talking about limiting the amount of beef for export. They have already limited the quantity of grain exported with the objective of ensuring stability of food supply for their own population. The Indo-China area is increasing in affluence and its enhanced purchasing power will mean that much of the food that traditionally came to Europe from Australia and New Zealand will only travel as far as Indo-China where there will be people to buy it. Yet we are talking about further reducing food production.

We must all agree that the Government be charged with the responsibility of securing enough support from other Ministers and Governments to ensure Mr. Mandelson is brought to heel. One calls to mind the old saying that when one is in a hole one should stop digging. The Commissioner does not seem able to stop digging, however, and he has dug himself into a position from which it is impossible to extract himself. We have seen in negotiations in trouble spots worldwide that it is sometimes necessary for certain people to stand back and be replaced before progress can be made. I am strongly of the view that the same is true in this case, although it will be difficult to achieve.

We all agree that farming and the agri-food sector is in serious jeopardy. The message that must go out to the citizens of Europe is that their food supply is in serious jeopardy. In 1973, the average family grocery budget accounted for more than 35% of household income. This figure has decreased to less than 10%. People take food for granted and the amount that is wasted is vulgar. Food is considered cheap and accessible and no cause for concern. People must realise that it should not be taken for granted, just as we can no longer take petrol and other fuels for granted. We must sell this message. If we had a greater awareness in this regard, we would not be so free in relinquishing our agri-food industry and diminishing the security of our food supply.

As spokesperson on food for Fine Gael, I am obliged to reiterate how important it is that we not lose sight of this. We have developed an industry that is quality assured and traceable. The world market price about which we speak so much is the lowest common denominator and indicative of a race to the bottom. If food becomes scarce and we are not at least 80% to 90% self-sufficient, we will find ourselves at the mercy of the world market price. We will know all about it when it increases. Food is a basic necessity of life. There has been much discussion about agri-food and the effect on farmers. As a farmer, I understand that completely. However, it is important that we alert the citizens of Europe to the dangers to their food supply.

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