Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)

I echo the sentiments expressed by all Members and congratulate Deputy Joe McHugh, the clerks and all the team for organising what was a splendid and worthwhile event. The fact it was held in the Seanad Chamber was not just an historical moment which added significance to the event but also lent itself very well to real engagement with the issues. By virtue of the fact we are all parliamentarians and politicians, the surroundings of a Chamber enhanced the debate in a way that is not always possible in a hotel environment. That, in itself, added to the quality of the debate and interaction during the assembly.

I was struck in particular by some of the speakers from the food industry. Much has been said about the food sector and agribusiness. Ms Darina Allen spoke about how she believes this could be one of the key drivers in terms of tackling youth unemployment. That is something on which all of us must take action. We also heard from Greencore and other businesses. Greencore, which is involved in the food industry, said it could not get people to work in the food industry. It is incumbent on us to forge links between the food industry and the further education and third level sector to ensure we have graduates who will find it attractive to pursue a career in the area and be able to drive the industry. Currently, we have a thriving export market for raw materials but it is the combination of processing and innovation that adds value and will secure jobs in the future and create more sustainable employment. The Waterford Institution of Technology, WIT, has invested a significant amount of money - €35 million – in the food and tourism area. We must engage with industry to ensure we have graduates who will bring about innovation, add value and create employment, in particular in the south east where we currently have almost 20% unemployment. It would be a tangible result from the work of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. That will be my mission in the coming weeks and months in the BIPA.

I commend the work of Lord Alf Dubs on flooding. He delivered a report to the plenary session. I welcome the fact the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, has read the report and will take it on board. We are aware of the devastation flooding caused to many families throughout the country in the past 12 to 18 months.

I thank the Whips for allowing this discussion to take place in the Dáil. It adds significance to what was a productive and historic meeting on the occasion of the 44th plenary session.

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