John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Mooney's request for a debate on climate change. I had a discussion yesterday with somebody involved in the bio-fuel sector. The Government is committed to achieving a target of 5.5% mix in all petroleum products of bioethenol. We will have to double our production of grain and grain products if we are to meet that target. There has been no concerted effort so far in any of the initiatives announced by Government towards ensuring we do that. I call for a debate on that issue as soon as possible.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Agriculture and Food to come to the House for a debate on the issue of farm inspections because I am inundated with queries on and problems with the inspection area. I realise it is part of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the widespread changes that have taken place in the different schemes that affect agriculture. Farmers are presented with 1,500 questions and boxes must be ticked. Two people arrive at the farmyard gate in the morning and are on the farm for the whole day watching the farmer and the practices that take place and, in some cases perhaps, the cows being milked. All parties constantly speak about the need to reduce bureaucracy in agriculture. This is the biggest load of bureaucracy I have seen introduced in my time in agriculture. I call for a debate with a view to reducing it and its impact on farming and promoting the development of agriculture and the entrance of young people into the industry.