Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I wish to flag an issue I hope we will be able to debate at some length in the early part of the new year. In one sense, this matter stems from Senator Doherty's concern about rural areas. The production of food is the main work carried out in rural areas in Ireland and throughout Europe. Some extremely scary statistics relating to world food supplies are doing the rounds at present. For each of the past six years, the world has consistently consumed significantly more food than has been produced. One does not need to be a rocket scientist to realise this cannot continue.

We are facing a situation where food supplies in Europe and across the world are in deficit. This development is going to change our view of agriculture and it will alter the nature of the debate on the future of agriculture and farming, both here and in Europe. I would like the Leader to place this matter on the agenda for a debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at the earliest possible date. Problems in this area are going to be of enormous significance in the short term and we must start to address them. We will ensure a future for farming on this island if we can assist in responding to the growing crisis to which I refer.