John Carty (Fianna Fail)

There have been many publications in recent times in regard to the smart economy. I would like to focus on the agriculture, food and fisheries sector, in which there is huge potential. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, recently launched a vision for Irish agriculture, food and fisheries, our largest indigenous industry which has huge potential for development and job creation into the future. This is an industry in which we have vast experience and on which we should be focusing in terms of getting more from it.

Europe is currently at a crossroads in terms of food security. The decision this year by Russia to suspend exports of grain as a result of natural ravage, namely, fire, resulted in a shortage of grain in Europe and a huge increase in price. This is noticeable in the stores in terms of an increase in cattle feed, which in turn will eat into farmers' profits. We have over the years developed a strong base for agricultural output. We currently export 85% of our produce and are seen to be providing high quality product, be it meat or dairy products.

Much has been done by An Bord Bia to promote a good image of our food. That we are disease free is a huge asset. An Bord Bia and other agencies have identified markets which can be further developed. These markets can be further enriched to the benefit of Irish agriculture because more consumers want what we produce, namely, a green product that is produced on family farms rather than on intensive farms such as exist in other countries. This green image must be refined and given the authority of scientific evidence. Also, this message must be sent out to our markets. With this proven knowledge, consumers will want to buy Irish giving us the opportunity to produce more, which will be good for jobs and our economy. We can increase the value of primary output in the agriculture, food and fisheries sector by €1.5 billion by 2020. This vision for a smart, green and growth economy in agriculture, food and fisheries is essential for Ireland. This strategy is to be welcomed. If handled correctly, it will have huge benefits for Ireland and will be a huge plus for the Irish farmer, economy and workforce. The economy can benefit under the three headings of smart, green and growth.

A few weeks ago a delegation from France presented a local butcher from Newport, County Mayo, Mr. Sean Kelly who runs a family business, with a bronze medal for black pudding. The delegation comprised 22 people. That that number of people came here from France for that reason was a great show for Ireland. This came about as a result of Mr. Kelly sending a sample of his produce to a competition in France, in respect of which he was awarded a bronze medal. The medal was presented to him by the delegation from France. I compliment Mayo County Council on the civic reception it held for the delegation from France which was, from a food and tourism point of view, a huge plus. I understand that Mr. Kelly intends to compete again next spring at the food fair in France and that he will be accompanied by a number of people. The French delegation has requested that a chef from a leading hotel in Westport, County Mayo, Knockranny House, attend to prepare a meal on the evening of the fair. This is very positive and illustrates firsthand what we can do. I understand people from other counties are also sending samples of cheese and various dairy products to such fairs. A former Member of the Lower House, with whom I had the honour of serving, has developed and is marketing ice-cream and is doing very well in that regard. This type of development is good for the farming community and our economy.

I had the pleasure of taking the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, to Mr. Kelly's premises in Newport to meet with him and his family and to see firsthand what they are doing. They are, in conjunction with other people, marketing their product. The SuperValu supermarket is also selling Mr. Kelly's black and white pudding and sausages in its stores throughout Ireland. I compliment Mr. Kelly and the other people involved on the unbelievable amount of product they are selling each week.

The Minister of State alluded in his speech to the launching of Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy. It is envisaged in this strategy that 150,000 new jobs will be created. This is an agency estimate based on projected growth to end 2015. The IDA and Enterprise Ireland are targeting the creation of 135,000 and 75,000 jobs respectively in the period up to 2015. These are the figures used by Forfás in regard to job numbers. Tourism Ireland envisages the creation of an additional 15,000 new jobs in the tourism sector in the period up to 2015. I believe there is huge room for growth in tourism. However, we will have to become a little more competitive in terms of our prices and what we have to offer and will have to return to traditional type tourism. Also, the people selling this product will have to take time to speak to tourists, to tell them what is happening locally and to provide them with information on historic places in their counties.

The publication on the Internet this year of the 1901 census returns, which followed the publication some years ago of the 1911 census returns, is of considerable interest to the descendants of Irish people who emigrated in the early 1900s. I have sent copies of the census returns to descendants of members of my grandparents' families who were forced to emigrate at that time. They are delighted to have seen their grandparents' names in writing on the returns. We should promote this aspect of tourism, be more receptive towards tourists and give them more time, rather than whisking them in and out of the country.

The Taoiseach recently launched a strategy and action plan for Irish trade, tourism and investment to 2015. The joined up approach it proposes is long past time. The strategy will bring together a number of Departments, including Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Tourism, Culture and Sport, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Education and Skills and Foreign Affairs, to focus on driving exports, attracting inward investment and maximising Ireland's return from key markets.

We must build on our strengths. I referred, for instance, to the benefits that could accrue from agriculture. Other strengths include services, tourism, education, life sciences, software and green technology. The Government's new strategy identifies potential to further grow existing key markets in the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom and gain a foothold in countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, China - where considerable work has been done - the Middle East and Japan. Delegations have been sent to these countries on trade missions and reports indicate they have recorded significant successes. I understand the Minister of State, Deputy Kelleher, has been on a number of these delegations. This is important work as Ireland relies heavily on exports. We must increase exports to help us emerge from our current problems.

Employment for young people is of the utmost importance. We must ensure that jobs will be available for our young, vibrant and educated population. It is important that they remain here and we do not allow other countries to reap the benefits of their education and experience.