Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Senator Feargal Quinn is a modest man who would not claim credit as one of the people directly responsible for introducing traceability into the food market during his time with Superquinn. We are eternally grateful for his actions in this regard. There is, however, a powerful food lobby which resists increased transparency in food labelling. The issue requires a more proactive approach from European governments. Under current labelling rules there is much covert activity with, for example, the term "Made in the EU" sometimes used for food on Irish shelves that it is claimed to be sourced in Ireland when it is not.

In light of Senator Martin Conway's comments, coming from the west myself I fully empathise with him on the continuing viability of Shannon Airport. I congratulate Liam Scollan, chairman, and the board of Ireland West Airport Knock on its 25th anniversary. We all recall the controversy surrounding the building of the airport. Now it is so successful and viable it will not require any further public service obligation moneys. Long may its profitability and success continue, as the airport is important to tourism in the west.

Yesterday, I asked that Government time be provided for a discussion on the diaspora, particularly considering this week's meeting between the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and the 76 Irish ambassadors to see how they can promote Ireland. This is not a new initiative as it had been introduced by the former Administration several years ago. Last night, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, invited the House, and by implication the general public, to submit proposals for Farmleigh II. The initial Farmleigh conference was an initiative by the economist, David McWilliams, which was then picked up by the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and now leader of Fianna Fáil, Deputy Micheál Martin.

It was a tremendous success in bringing together the various disparate parts of the diaspora from across the world, particularly, and most importantly, those emigrants who have been a success in corporate environments. As a result of these initiatives, the Global Irish Network was established which is also promoting Ireland. In light of the appalling and tragic unemployment figures announced recently, it is important we harness the diaspora and the success achieved by Irish people, including second generation Irish people, in their adopted countries who are ready, willing and able to help this country out of the economic morass in which it finds itself. This is an important element of the jobs strategy and economic debate taking place. In that regard, I ask that the Leader provide time before the next Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh in September-October, to allow Members of this House, in particular new Members, to put forward their views and ideas in regard to how we can effectively harness the Irish diaspora and also to send out to them the message that this Parliament has not forgotten or neglected them but appreciates the efforts they are making.