Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Last week, we had a discussion on whether consideration of the Garda Síochána Bill should be deferred for a period. I was of the view that it would be better to deal with it, but that was before the State added more than 100 amendments to the Bill in the Lower House. I am certain that as the legislation is being rushed through the Houses we will get it wrong. I heard the Minister last night and I see the logic of his position in trying to deal with the issues to be announced in the final part of the Morris tribunal report. That is understandable but it is not understandable that we should rush the Bill through at this stage. It will be a mistake. There is too much to take in and in that context the row in the Dáil last night was understandable.

During the course of the debate last night on prisons we became aware that the Prison Service had published a new set of prison rules. It was unfortunate, or less than coincidental, that we were not made aware of that before the debate began. It was difficult for everyone to prepare speeches for it and it was unfair that we should deal with it in that way. Be that as it may, the recommendations of such a report would normally go through by regulation without debate. The report is a huge document — it contains approximately 200 sections — and it deals with significant issues. We should agree to hold a debate on it. The previous arrangements have been in place for 100 years, therefore, there is no immediate rush to deal with them. However, it is important to note that there are major changes in areas other than corporal punishment and other penal elements so there is a need to consider the issue.

I am sure the Cathaoirleach, as a nominee of the agriculture panel, is aware of developments in agriculture. It gives me a sense of déjÀ vu when I see the way Irish farmers are to be kicked around again by all sides. We saw this 15 years ago. Every person with any bit of logic knew that at some stage, Irish farmers would be hit with world beef prices as the norm in this country. Despite knowing this farmers were made to suffer for ten long years. Their representative body and successive Ministers for Agriculture and Food were fighting an unwinnable battle, leading them up the hill, giving them hope, only to be followed by disappointment, and reaching a conclusion which we could all foresee.

The then EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. MacSharry, brought in reforms to the CAP which had to be done. In fairness to him, he got the very best deal possible for Irish farmers. At the time I was the only person in the House to defend the Commissioner's proposals.

A similar process will now happen with regard to sugar beet. Irish farmers are now being given hope that this battle can be won. It cannot be won and I would prefer if they were honestly told that. We could then get together and see what levels of support, money and investment can be given to those farmers who are currently relying on beet production. The whole sugar industry is changing world-wide and it will be of no use to us in a very short time. We have known that for a long time and I do not believe that everyone was taken by surprise by the announcement of the current Commissioner two days ago. The Minister has to fight the fight and the House has to say the predictable things. However, we also need to lace this debate with honesty and directness and we must seek solutions which are realistic, possible and in the best interests of Irish agriculture.