Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In 2000, some 39% of farmers were aged over 55 and when Fianna Fáil left office that figure was 52%, which is a clear indictment and shows they did not encourage young people into this industry. Under the directorship of their Galway tent, they oversaw the destruction of the sugar industry. They may not like to hear this but they might come clean tonight and apologise for the thousands of people who are now out of work and who have had to emigrate or face financial ruin because of the scandalous and reckless carry-on with regard to the sugar industry.

On a positive note, I am glad to say that due to the tireless effort and work of a number of people who l have had the pleasure of working with, there is now a realistic chance we will once again see the sugar industry returned to this country. I recognise the help of Deputy Ó Cuív in this matter.

We will return to manufacturing and we will return to prosperity and tidy up the mess that exists. The farmers of Ireland who marched to Dublin this week will play their part in returning this great country of ours to prosperity and they will not shirk their responsibilities. With the help of forward thinking and clear policies under the confident stewardship of the Minister, Deputy Coveney, this will happen.

In conclusion, I acknowledge and congratulate Dairygold, which is in my own constituency, on its €120 million expansion in Mallow, which is very welcome in these austere financial times.

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