Feargal Quinn (Independent)

It was interesting that Senator Daly brought up the question of Fairtrade policy. Senator Norris said to me it must have been an association of ideas because the Cathaoirleach immediately called on Senator Coffey to speak after introducing the topic of Fairtrade. Coffee and Fairtrade naturally go together. We are having free Fairtrade coffee in both of the restaurants this morning.

I mention this because of something brought up by Senator Terry Leyden, namely, the protectionist policy pursued by Peter Mandelson. Mr. Mandelson identified the €100 billion protectionist policy operating in Europe that Senator Daly mentioned. He is working hard to reduce it to ensure a livelihood for those who live in the fair trade areas. Senator Leyden and the Irish Farmers Association may criticise everything he does but he is acting in Europe's best interests by making sure that we are not protecting ourselves against those in the developing world who have difficulty succeeding.

We have an extra day this year, on Friday. I was impressed to see that the Northern Ireland National Trust has given all its staff a day off and asked them to do something for the environment on that day rather than work as normal. We could perhaps do something for our environment by unplugging our different pieces of equipment that night and get into the habit of watching our electricity use. We waste billions of hours of energy by leaving equipment plugged in or on stand-by overnight.