Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Other countries which ruled the waves now waive the rules. I presume the House can also waive a minor rule to allow me to hear the Minister's views on this matter.

We should not rush into a trade dispute with Russia over developments in Crimea. Ireland is a small country and such matters are addressed by major players such as the United States. The position in Ukraine was inflamed by the European Union, which antagonised the Russian bear on this issue. I am neither condoning nor condemning on this issue as I do not propose to get involved in the matter. Ireland must preserve its neutrality.

When I visited the Islamic Republic of Iran I did not preach to the Iranians as my priority was to sell Irish products, including beef. The Minister should bear in mind that we will suffer most from any trade embargo because Russia is an important trading partner. I accept that we cannot ignore world issues. When the Minister met the current leader of China in County Clare, he did not lecture him on civil or human rights issues because it would not be appropriate to do so. It is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs to engage in that type of diplomacy. As the Minister with responsibility for food and agriculture, Deputy Coveney was correct to meet and greet the Chinese leader. It was a useful exercise and I presume the lovely calf that featured on the day has since died.