Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to provide time for a substantial debate after Christmas on alternative land use. It is appropriate to have such a debate at this time. There are conflicting statements issuing from people who should know better and this is upsetting to rural people and farmers in general.

I compliment the Minister for Finance on the lead he has taken in the budget in which he has provided €20 million, €35 million and €50 million in aid towards biofuel production. There is a need to have people living in rural Ireland doing productive work.

If there is some difficulty with food production, then the alternative is biofuels. We should go down that road, examine it and give leadership to the people rather than issuing confusing statements on the matter.