Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

Last week, when the Taoiseach came into the Chamber, we all welcomed him. During his contribution on European matters, he dealt extensively with globalisation, CAP, the protection of farming interests, both here and in Europe, which we should welcome. He stated:

Over the past weeks I have set out a clear and cogent argument in defence of the CAP. Simplistic and negative statements about the CAP, many of which are driven by self-interest, are continually being made.

This is happening out there, and I cannot understand why there is this pessimism and an attempt to talk down agriculture and agricultural production in this country, because it is a great way forward.

We still have time to streamline the beef industry. We should get the industry, including producers, processors, consumers and the Department together to develop the beef industry. We did not have a beef industry with a production base in this country, we had a cattle production base. Four legs, a tail and a head does not give one a beef animal. There must be proper breeding and management and, the sooner this happens, the sooner we will be able to ensure that we can contain our markets.

The role of Commissioner Mandelson and the plans he has outlined at the world trade talks are even more scaryr. He is a twice failed British politician who may be out to rebuild his reputation by adopting the old British motto, "Cheap food at any cost", and the exportation of commercial goods such as cars made by BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Trade with Europe is important but the EU is also involved in the production and export of munitions, the outcome of which can be witnessed on our televisions screens on many nights. It is sad to witness the misery of people killing each other and children dying. As a food producer, it is heart-rending to see the plight of children and adults who are starving but the EU continues to export munitions for the killings and to sustain policies that restrict food production, the lifeblood of our existence. People in developing countries are given weapons but not food. However, we are capable of producing the necessary food.

The Taoiseach's statement last week was extraordinary. He stated: "The EU is by far the largest importer of agricultural products from developing countries and absorbs approximately 85% ofAfrica's agricultural exports and 45% of those from Latin America." Is it right that African countries should export food given the horror of starvation experienced by their peoples? Should we not be helping them to do the opposite to overcome famines, which run rife in their lands?

However, the recent proposal by Peter Mandelson will undermine absolutely and totally food production in Europe and the Minister for Agriculture and Food objected to it at the Agriculture Council. It is time for Mr. Mandelson to throw in the towel and withdraw from the scene. He should be replaced by somebody who will represent Europe seriously and who will reflect what world affairs are about and what is good for globalisation and all the peoples of the world, not the few cartels to which Senator Coonan referred. Let us have equality for all people and help the poor to improve their lot. We should not be farmed down to their level; they should be brought up to our level. They should be helped to achieve proper standards by which they can live.