Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I am delighted there have been so many contributions on the Order of Business on excessive regulation emanating from the European Union. We are not only talking about excessive regulation but about nonsensical regulation. Even during the campaign on the referendum on the Lisbon treaty, it was raised on the doorsteps.

I remember a time when the local housewife could make apple tarts and scones, bring them to the local shop and sell them. We knew they were wholesome and what the ingredients were. However, we are not quite sure how wholesome many of the mass produced products we now buy are.

There is also excessive regulation of bed and breakfasts. I fully agree with Senator Alan Kelly that we need to have health and safety concerns. However, I forecast that within the next three or four years, there will not be a bed and breakfast left in this country because approximately 50% are already gone owing to excessive regulation.

I refer to the small farmer. If a chicken dies, one cannot bury it on one's land. One must then try to explain how the European project is important to Ireland. I am delighted we are dealing with this issue, even if it is a post-referendum syndrome.

The problem is that directives are brought in for the 27 countries but we all know that the same environment does not obtain in each. There must be some way to recognise that. If we must scientifically analyse everything made in small cottage industries, they will be wiped out and the small operator will suffer.

I refer to the challenges facing the economy on which we should have a debate. It would be surprising if that did not happen. Whether it should take place today is another issue but it should happen soon. I have already noticed that the Economic and Social Research Institute report is now being looked at a little bit more positively than at first, especially on "Morning Ireland" today. I do not know if Members had the opportunity to hear this morning's analysis of what is a recession and of a recession now compared with those we had in the past. I noticed a different tone to the debate.

The patriotism Alan Dukes displayed——