Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Ba chóir dom labhairt go tapaidh anois. I wish the Minister, the Ministers of State and their teams the very best of luck and success in what is probably one of the most important portfolios. I will try not to repeat what colleagues have said.

The significance of agriculture and agrifood to our economy is nothing to be sniffed at. The word "vital" is used. That is derived from vita, the Latin for life-giving. I will restrict my focus rather than be repetitious on food production. It overlaps with my career in healthcare. Hippocrates said, "Let food be your medicine". When we consider the growth in the prepared consumer foods market, it is so important that Ireland's place as a primary and premium food producer is enhanced and the key people involved in that - the actual producers who are the farmers - are consulted, liaised with, listened to and included in as many boards and bodies as possible. The setting up of the Agri-Food Regulator's office is of paramount importance. That should be well resourced going forward.

In line with the farmer and the farmer's ability to produce food, there is the soil and the importance of water. I cross-checked that with the audit of land use, which is so important. It takes in the allocation for renewables, housing, amenities and food security. All these things are interlinked. As I said, consultation is extremely important. A simple thing going forward relates to the recent fall-out from Storm Éowyn. While we wait for TAMS, perhaps something simple could be done on the funding towards materials for a meitheal for simple shed repairs, etc., so that animals can be housed appropriately ensuring animal welfare, protecting pastures and preventing premature turnout, which again will have an impact on soil quality and the microbiome. That will ultimately have an impact on water tables and on the final product.

On the ultra-processed piece and prepared consumer foods, we must resource and invest in local and artisan food and drink producers. As I said, "Let food be your medicine". Essentially, what is required is a fair price for a quality product, safeguarding the consumer, the producer and the future.

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