Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I support the request by Senators Callanan and Daly for a discussion on the WTO round which would be appropriate. If at all possible, will the Leader include in that necessary dialogue an urgent debate on the future of the sugar industry? We touched on this issue previously but the next round of dialogue between Ministers and the Commission on the future of the sugar industry will take place next week. As we know, the current proposals, if implemented, will not simply damage but will wipe out the sugar industry which is a vital national industry. It will be the first time in the history of the EU that a single policy decision taken in Brussels will wipe out an entire industry. If at all possible, could we have statements tomorrow in advance of next week's talks? We are talking about a vital national industry living on a knife-edge. We must express our support for the Minister as she enters further negotiations next week.