Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

In deference to the Cathaoirleach, I will be as brief as possible in raising two matters. Perhaps the House will join me in commending the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, on her endeavours in promoting beef and other food in Russia over the past few days. We hope for a very successful outcome, bearing in mind that Russia is our biggest market outside the EU.

I am somewhat reluctant to raise the second matter, but it is with total respect for those Members who asked last week for a debate on the sugar industry. We might have a better, more informed and more substantial debate if we awaited the outcome of the meeting of the Council of Ministers next month. Those of us engaged in growing sugar beet could have a better debate upon our return after the break. It would be a higher-quality and better-informed debate, and I hope those farmers involved in the sugar beet industry would come with a united voice. We are aware of the meetings they held this week, at which there was unfortunately grave division. The sugar industry is worthy of protection, and I am certain we will all stand by the Minister in her statements and pronouncements in this regard. We will give her our full support, and I ask that it happen.