John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I wish to express my agreement with Members from the other side of the House who have raised the issue of the register of electors. There were some revelations last week and the system of compilation of the register of electors needs complete revision. While many rate collectors around the country do a fine job in keeping the register of electors up to date, for many others it is next to impossible, particularly in ever-expanding urban areas throughout the country. The Minister should come before the House to express his views on this topic as soon as possible and well in advance of any future election.

I also ask the Leader to arrange, if possible, for the Minister for Agriculture and Food to come before the House to discuss the sugar beet sector again. It is unclear at present whether producers will be asked to grow the crop for another year and what the subsequent implications might be with regard to compensation. As the Cathaoirleach is aware, this is a serious issue for farmers. While the sugar beet crop does not require sowing for another couple of weeks, those farmers who do not intend to sow sugar beet need to begin sowing other crops now. It is not good enough that the Minister signed up to an agreement in Brussels last year. She does not appear to be able to inform either House, farming organisations or farmers in general about what she actually signed up to. She should come before this House to clear this matter up as soon as possible.