Kieran Phelan (Fianna Fail)

He will be there. The Senator need not worry about that.

As someone from a rural constituency, I am aware of the importance and the success of the Irish agrifood sector. This is why I am delighted with the work of the Minister at European and international levels in sourcing new markets for our quality exports.

Looking through the plan, I was surprised to see the amount of opportunities available for the agriculture sector. The Irish market is worth €7 billion, but there is a potential €250 billion market in the UK and a wider EU market worth more than €1,000 billion. I have not even considered the emerging markets in Asia and the US. I am very confident for the future of the agrifood sector in Ireland. I compliment the individual farmers and the co-operatives that have brought forward a great deal of change in the sector. The food and drink industry employs 50,000 people in direct jobs and much more when we consider those employed on farms and in related services. This plan is very important for the future of our economy and I wish the Minister and her colleagues well in their work to push it forward.

The new waste management grant-aid plan announced yesterday has been widely welcomed. It will be of great benefit to many farmers. Senator Coonan is very relaxed this evening. While he said a few negative things, his body language would indicate that he would prefer to have the current Minister in power rather than Deputy Sargent of the Green Party.