Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This morning I launched Food Wise 2025. I am sure the Deputies opposite will welcome this fantastic document which was put together by the food industry in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and a number of agencies working hand in hand from an environmental perspective with my Department. It is a strategy that will absolutely grow the food industry hugely, to a level we have not seen before. It will help to create 23,000 jobs which will be totally dependent on the supply of good, clean water. All jobs in the food industry are completely dependent on the supply of good quality water. I did not see anyone at the launch today which was attended by very many people who had an issue with the Government water strategy's. They understand and respect the fact that we have to pay for infrastructure because if we do not have it in place, we will not be able to create these jobs and will not be able to support food production in rural areas. They were happy about the fact that I, as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, and those who would come after me would be in a position to provide water for their industry to ensure it would be protected and could recycle itself. In 2025 there will be a requirement for a new strategy to ensure even further economic development.

The Deputy mentioned that there was an attempt to divide and rule.

I wonder if Deputy Murphy has ever visited County Roscommon. Has he ever seen what those people have gone through? I have visited it many times, I was there this week and I was also there three weeks ago. The people in County Roscommon have gone through a disgraceful situation.

The Deputy referred to divide and conquer.

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