Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with what Deputy Browne said in respect of the rural development programme. It is time this programme was brought back within the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine because the staff within the latter have a much better feel for it. In my opinion, the delivery in respect of this programme would be better if it were returned to the Minister's Department.

The various Government cheerleaders have left the Minister and his Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, alone. Many of them repeated the usual line to the effect that we ruined the country but they then spoke glowingly in respect of Food Harvest 2020. As far as they are concerned, Food Harvest 2020 is be best thing since sliced bread or whatever kind of bread is being produced these days. In fairness, the Minister fleetingly referred to the fact that Food Harvest 2020 was initiated by Deputy Smith and the previous Government.

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