Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I believe that the agriculture, food and fishery sectors can play a crucial role in the revitalisation of our economy. The agri-food sector is our pre-eminent indigenous manufacturing sector. It is strongly export oriented, with exports amounting to more than €8 billion, and has a very low import content in its inputs. It is also labour intensive. This is precisely the type of industry that we need at this time. However, to thrive in a very difficult environment it is vital that the sector is as efficient and competitive as possible at every step in the chain from farm to fork.

In recent years, the Government has supported a range of measures designed to assist the sector in meeting the demands for sustainable and competitive production. Although finances are more limited now, the Government's overall strategy will be to continue to focus resources on measures to enhance the productive capacity of the sector. Despite necessary reductions in public expenditure, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will spend €3.4 billion in support of Irish agriculture, fisheries, food and forestry during the year. This significant transfer of public funds is tangible evidence of the Government's commitment to the sector. All public expenditure will be under close scrutiny to ensure it is used to the best possible effect, and this will include expenditure by my Department.

For more than 30 years the Common Agricultural Policy has played a major role in supporting the Irish agri-food sector, through both direct budget transfers, supported by EU taxpayers, and access to high-value European markets.

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