Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I would like to put on record that it was the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Joe Walsh, who had the vision initially to set up Bord Bia. As a participant in the small food industry in Ireland, this cohesion and concept for a consolidated and indigenous food industry was an excellent idea. The Minister had the initiative and vision to see this was necessary. I congratulate him on rationalising the industry and amalgamating Bord Bia with An Bord Glas. It was a fractious industry in the past but the Minister had the vision to get this concept off the ground.

I do not understand why Senator Quinn was a little bit sceptical. Bord Bia has promoted Ireland as a food island in Europe. It is an indigenous and successful industry which currently employs 10% of the population. The food industry is the only successful indigenous industry.