Mary White (Fianna Fail)

This is a male dominated Oireachtas. Women are the backbone of the dairy industry.

As someone originally involved in a small food business and now in a large food exporter, I believe we must pressure the dairy industry to diversify away from the UK. It is not good enough that 41% of food and dairy exports go to the UK. The industry will have to look to China, India, Russia and South America. The Minister has to drive that diversification. I commended the Tánaiste on the reception he held as part of his efforts to reach a trade agreement between Ireland and Russia. However, while it is lovely to go to receptions and trade fairs for canapes and glasses of wine, it takes a strong stomach and shoe leather to increase sales. Increased sales will create more jobs. I want to see the food and export industry get out of that sheltered area of Britain. I am not saying we are not appreciative of the British market, but we have to reach the hundreds of millions of people who are living out there in India and South America. I am relying on the Minister to get democracy into the misogynist ICMSA. I will watch this very carefully. It is my duty here to promote the role of women in society.