Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

This is one of the most relevant and important motions to come before the House since the new Dáil was convened. The agriculture industry will play a major economic role in helping to drive us out of recession. The motion highlights key statistics and indicators which are relevant to the weight of this sector which is our most important indigenous industry. Its annual output is worth €22 billion while agricultural exports to 160 countries amount to €8 billion. Some 140,000 people are employed in the provision of agrifood and fisheries products and services. The sector supports 128,000 farm families as well as 600 food and drink companies. When one considers that we narrowly missed exceeding our quota while others underscored by 30%, one begins to realise that a political solution must be found to allow the expansion of the dairy industry before 2015.

The Government must adopt a strong and unequivocal stance at the Mercosur talks to ensure the protection, viability and future of the beef industry. The Government has stated it will deliver on the Food Harvest 2020 programme and has indicated it agrees with its vision and targets for the continuing growth, improvement and prosperity of the agricultural sector.

I will address the issues of the milk quota and the beef sector. We cannot allow a situation to arise whereby Europe as a whole is under quota while some countries can face super levies for being over quota. To say that this can facilitate a soft landing of the industry before its opening up in 2015 does not hold water. Before the figures crystallised some time ago, the Minister believed we would come in over quota and face the super levy fine. He has also stated there will be no political solution to this issue before 2015. If the Government parties are to support this motion, they are committing to finding a political solution.

The Irish dairy industry has 35,000 employees. We export 80% of our dairy products. We encouraged dairy farmers to invest in stock, machinery and parlours. We facilitated improved farm buildings by means of grants because we recognised the indigenous value of the sector. The number of dairy stock entering the system will increase significantly. We must support the sector. The Government must insist on a European quota that will not only ensure a soft landing but will also leave the Irish sector so well placed as to meet the objectives set out in the Food Harvest 2020 document up to and beyond 2015.

When the former Minister introduced this document, he introduced a roadmap for the industry. We appreciate the current Minister's commitment to it but we call on him to stand by and use it. With farming bodies, we must enforce the will of the country in realising European-wide milk quotas.

The Government must outline our stance in respect of beef, namely, that it makes no environmental sense whatsoever for the EU to allow its production to be displaced by less sustainable systems such as those operating in South America. The quota sought by the Mercosur countries seriously undermines Ireland's beef industry and cannot be allowed. For the sake of the beef sector, Ireland must be prepared to use its veto in the industry's defence. Our beef exports are worth €1.5 billion and 90% of our output is exported. We are the largest exporter of beef in Europe and the fourth largest in the world.

Food Harvest 2020 aims to create 3,500 to 4,000 jobs and provides for an increase of 50% and 20% in milk production and beef output, respectively. We appreciate the Government's commitment to this document but taking it in charge means the Government is responsible for its implementation and for ensuring the parameters, atmosphere, criteria and will that will allow for its success.

The past week was a fine one for the country, given the way in which it welcomed its esteemed visitors, the way in which it was portrayed in a positive light and the way in which the hopes and aspirations of those who saw it were lifted. We heard about "Yes we can", "Is féidir linn", living the dream and spring being around the corner after a hard winter. Our beef sector is in good shape, has good potential and possesses marvellous economic and social values dear to the hearts of those who own, manage and produce from our lands. To the Government I say, do not blow it, stick to its guns and insist on a European milk quota and on the protection of the beef industry from those who aspire to tear it asunder. We do not want any sad stories. One man has been synonymous with "Yes we can" and "Is féidir linn". Do not allow anyone from this Chamber to tell us "No we cannot". It is not something with which we could live. The Government will not do that but I must emphasise the significance of this motion.

I appreciate the commitment by the coalition parties in Government in this regard. The Government must show us its mettle and prove that in accepting the Food Harvest 2020 document, it can meet its demands and aspirations. The first step is to protect the milk and beef sectors, as this will ensure a 50% gain in milk production and a 20% gain in beef output, which would be of great service to the country.

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