Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

About what else should we be concerned? It is important we look at the roles of the Ministers in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

I would like to use this debate to raise the issue of men's health. I agree with the Minister of State that people are taking time to look at the quality of the food they eat, whether vegetables, fruit or meat. If, like me, one goes to one of the 24-hour supermarkets at 12 a.m., one will see many people shopping and taking the time to look at products. In the context of the debate on the organic food industry, it is important we place an emphasis on men's health. I am not being sexist but men are very slow to take care of themselves. We should link men's health into the debate on organic food and get more men involved.

I do not believe the Minister of State mentioned the cost of organic food in the shops. In some cases, it is ridiculously priced and there should be a policy to change that.