Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for allowing me speak on this motion. We are all critically aware of the importance the role of agriculture and the agrifood sector in general plays in our country from both a social and economic perspective. One of the sins of the previous administration, one it should never be allowed forget, was the closure of our sugar industry. This was based on greed and we in Carlow and Kilkenny have suffered very badly because of that.

The agriculture industry operates throughout Ireland and has an impact on every town and village in the country. Over €8 billion is spent by the agricultural sector within the local economy on an annual basis. Some €4 billion of that alone is estimated to be spent on agricultural inputs, most of which are purchased within a 36 km radius of the locality. Therefore, this is vital for local economies. It is vital that we keep our eye on the ball in respect of this sector and, more importantly, that we stay in tune with Harvest 2020 and the delivery of its targets, particularly the target of sustainability.

There has been a significant increase in employment within the food manufacturing sector over the past two years, which should be highlighted. We have the potential to create a further 25,000 new direct and indirect jobs with Harvest 2020. Some 300,000 jobs alone are supported by the sector as it stands. Although over the years Ireland has deflected from being an agricultural island primarily made up of small farms to a more mixed economy, it is still very much focused on the agricultural sector. This has been aided by the ongoing support of the EU, which through its funding and policies allowed Ireland to further develop technologies and contribute to the global markets.

For a small island, we manage to maintain a large presence on the EU circuit. This can be attributed to the high quality of our meat and dairy products. Glanbia is a prime example of this presence. We cannot underestimate the level of investment made by Glanbia, which is one of the largest food producing companies in the country. Glanbia has been particularly beneficial, not to mention convenient, for farmers as a market place. It is exciting that Glanbia has now gained planning permission in south Kilkenny for the construction of another processing plant which will be close to Waterford port. This sends a clear message of the willingness of Glanbia to consolidate its manufacturing role in Ireland. Glanbia has also recently invested in China. I should also mention Connolly's Red Mills, which has also established links with China to service the horse industry there. In conclusion, nobody underestimates how important agriculture is to our economy.

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