Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I agree with the comments made by Senator Boyle on a need for further debate on a waste management strategy. The problem is that we have never had a national waste management strategy. Perhaps we have booklets, documents and departmental guidelines. However, individual local authorities have their own plans and strategies and these can contradict with those of other local authorities. The local authority previously represented by Senators Boyle and Buttimer, Cork City Council, virtually refused to co-operate with my local authority, Cork County Council, with regard to a waste management strategy for the entire county of Cork. If we cannot get it right for one county, our aspirations for a national waste management strategy will end up in the refuse bin, if one excuses the pun. I look forward to the debate. We have had debates ad nauseam, sadly with no progress or action.

I request a debate as soon as possible on the world trade talks and their possible negative impact on Irish agriculture, in particular the future of the Irish beef industry. For many months, this House was unanimous in its views on the importation of Brazilian beef. The progress on this issue led us to believe the Irish beef industry would be in a position to thrive. However, facts and figures emerging from Brussels indicate the proposals by Commissioner Mandelson, which he is trying to sneak through, will result in the end virtually of the Irish beef industry and will put 60,000 beef farmers out of business.

This would be a calamity for the Irish economy and for Irish agriculture. It appears Commissioner Mandelson is on a solo run. We must intervene and use this House and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to have an urgent debate and take charge of the position from an Irish perspective. We cannot allow one Commissioner on a solo run to ruin the Irish beef industry. It is on the verge of happening within weeks unless the Government and the Oireachtas take action. Is it possible for the Leader to arrange a debate on this issue for next week? It was discussed briefly at the Joint Committee on European Affairs this week and this morning at the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It is imperative the debate takes place in the immediate future. The Oireachtas and the Government must send a strong signal to Commissioner Peter Mandelson, "Hands off the Irish beef industry; you will not be allowed dismantle it".