Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I am sure the Minister of State will give a similar response to the comment made by the Tánaiste when he attended the excellent debate we had on foreign affairs and trade last Thursday. He pointed out the important work that he and others, in Government, have been doing to restore Ireland's international reputation since last February.

None of us should describe a Senator's decision to change grouping as a diminution of democracy. Some of us have in the past moved to a new group. We in the Labour Party welcome new Members to our group and we do not charge transfer feed.

I commend Bord Bia on its wonderful initiative to hold a big convention today, a showcase for Irish food producers. Retailers, distributors and wholesalers from all over the world have come to look at Irish food, conduct business and develop trade links. I have seen important trade links being fostered in China and welcome reports today that one of the leading figures in the Chinese Government will visit Ireland and head a trade mission here. We are sending people to China on a trade mission in the next month. There is great potential for Ireland to act as a gateway for Chinese businesses that want to come here.