Michael McCarthy (Labour)

As usual the Leas-Chathaoirleach is chairing the debate very effectively. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Trevor Sargent. I look forward to interacting with him in this debate. I welcome the fact we are debating an important issue. In the current economic downturn, debate tends to centre on the global, European and national economies. Too often, issues such as this are pushed to one side. This is not done intentionally but the political agenda of the day tends to concentrate on other areas. I am happy that the Leader arranged this important debate. I welcome the Minister of State to the House and I wish him well in his Ministry, as I have done on previous occasions.

The Minister of State will know, from his time teaching in Dunmanway, the areas to which I will refer. They have contributed to the branding of logos and the production of high quality food and to the Irish tourism sector, particularly in the beautiful parts of west Cork and south Kerry.