Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

There is potential in the agricultural industry. We all know that huge numbers of young people are anxious to get involved in it. This year, certain food sectors of the industry saw an increase in exports of almost €1 billion. The potential for job creation in the agriculture industry is huge. That potential must be tapped into. I warn the Government against the proposal to tax the transfer of land holdings from one generation to the next. That should not be tampered with in the forthcoming budget. We need to encourage young people onto the land of Ireland to run the farms and create jobs.

Earlier, the Minister spoke about the huge numbers of people in employment. Yes, there are 1.8 million people at work in Ireland. How many young people are in Australia, Germany, Canada, London and all over the world? How many young people have left our shores?

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport is also in the House. I would like to discuss the potential for job creation in agriculture and tourism in the time allowed to me. There is huge potential in the tourism sector. We have empty hotels and great golf courses, racecourses and walkways. There is massive opportunity because the tourism infrastructure is already in place. I encourage the Minister with responsibility for tourism to help people in that industry. Hotels and golf courses are struggling. There is room for an incentive package to help those people and encourage more visitors to our country. That potential must be realised, while we must also cut, tidy up and straighten the economy out. Incentivisation has worked in the past and other countries have done it. We have an opportunity to do it in the next number of months.

The people of Ireland must be told the truth. The House must tell them the truth. If the Government is truthful with the people they will come with us and help out in the situation in which we find ourselves.

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