Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

What the Minister of State said is already on the public record. I ask him to request the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, to set up some type of forum or mechanism to allow everyone to talk at one table, because we are getting conflicting messages, signals and expectations. If the future of this industry is to be provided for, and if we are to ensure the growth of sugar beet in 2006 and onwards, be it for the production of sugar or alternative energy fuels, we need everyone talking together now. We cannot wait until March or April when the Brussels legalities are finalised. Farmers and the industry must plan ahead.

I appeal to the Minister of State to set up some kind of national forum on the future of the sugar beet industry with all concerned parties in the immediate future. Otherwise, we will have no industry left to talk about by next Christmas. The situation is that serious. I know the Minister of State will consider my proposal.