Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

With regard to the new action plan, I welcome ICOS back into the partnership talks. I am glad it has made the decision to return. I encourage the other two farming organisations to follow suit. It is important they should be there now that we have a new action plan.

Agriculture and the agrifood sector are in a period of major change. While the broad policy framework is in place, I am pleased the Minister has now finalised an action plan for the future development of the sector. Agriculture can and should encompass strong commercial farming as well as part-time farming as part of the innovative market-oriented and multidimensional agrifood sector which serves consumers and markets worldwide.

The recently launched action plan sets out a series of measures to drive the development of the sector in its new market-oriented circumstances. It reflects recent developments, both national and international, and details future plans and strategies for all commodities. It will enable the Department of Agriculture and Food and State agencies to work in tandem with farmers and the food sector to develop the full potential of this important industry over the coming years. I urge the Minister to develop a new approach for the beef sector where producers and processors can work in tandem to give consumers a reliable and stable product.

I am not flattering the Minister when I tell her she is a great person. I know she has the capacity to do what I will ask her to do. The Government should appoint an envoy to a small country in Africa. I shudder at the thought of men, women and children in Africa going to bed hungry or dying of starvation when we could produce the food to feed them. I ask the Minister to take on board the proposal to send an envoy to a small country and to urge other European countries to do likewise. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence.