Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

Following on from my meeting of 16 September, my Department has collaborated with each of the agencies that have a role in the implementation of Food Harvest 2020. As a result, responsibilities have been allocated for recommendations, and lead and contributory roles have been identified for cross-cutting issues that require collaboration. A major concern for me is to ensure a joined-up State response that will build upon the momentum of the publication of Food Harvest 2020 and that the priorities of implementation are identified and agreement reached on how the major issues are to be dealt with. It is important that we act on this report and that it does not end up sitting on a shelf. That is what everyone in the Chamber and, indeed, in the industry, wants to see.

I thank all Deputies for their suggestions and their active engagement with this important debate. It is obvious that there is great loyalty towards this sector in the House, as well as an interest in ensuring that this indigenous sector flourishes. Much hard work has already been done to get us to this stage, and this is continuing. The Minister and I look forward to the continued co-operation and support of Deputies as we work to support and develop this sector in the difficult economic times that lie ahead. I am sorry for running over time, but this is such an important sector that we must take the opportunity to give a comprehensive report when we can. This sector will be one of the main contributors towards ending our economic difficulties.

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