Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I welcome the Minister and commend him on his use of the word "green" which appeared throughout his speech. The Government has become used to using the words "smart", "green" and "growth". I very much welcome the Food Harvest 2020 report, the latest of the ten-year strategies the Government has introduced. It is a good strategy and there was great academic back-up from Harvard University. The figures in the report are very ambitious and it is important for the Oireachtas to investigate growth strategies to show the way out of the difficult economic times in which we find ourselves. The Minister has indicated that there could potentially be a €300 million increase in food exports, which is to be welcomed.

I worked in the dairy sector for many years. We have some very bright individuals and we must make use of them. Senator Mullen referred to the 230,000 people working in the agrifood sector. It might depend on how one works it out - the figure included in the report is 150,000.