Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

It is about time we had a debate on the cuts to the farm income. Senator Carty can smile at me but we need such a debate.

I refer to Richard Corrigan and Bord Bia. He was perhaps misguided in what he said about Bord Bia but we need to look at how we market and sell Irish food and restaurants. We have some of the best restaurants in the world and have great food but we have the potential to be better. It is important we use people who can better sell Ireland. The best way to better sell Ireland is to change the Government and appoint Deputy Michael Creed as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. He will look after the interests of Irish farming and the Irish food industry because after 12 years Fianna Fáil has made a complete hash of it and should just go. It should save itself the indignity of being indicted by the people.

I thank the Minister of State who, unlike other Ministers, comes into the House, stays for the duration of a debate and gives a good presentation. That should be acknowledged. While we might disagree on issues politically, the Minister of State has an interest. He might be one-tracked in what he is doing but he makes an effort, unlike some of his colleagues who will not even come into the House.