I certainly agree with my colleagues that there is positivity about this. As was said by several speakers, the reality is we have to move in this direction. We have to deal with the legislation coming from Europe but, as Senator Boylan and others mentioned, the reputation we have for our food is really important. We must enhance that reputation even more and keep it there. Given that we export €15.5 billion worth of agricultural products every year, with the possibility that we can grow more, it is extremely import…

I welcome the news that the new beef welfare scheme will be opened up by the Minister and the Government in July. This will be available to suckler farmers, which is good news and will be very important in terms of payments. I know the farming community for a number of years have been saying, in regard to efficiencies and being able to deal with costs, that they would want approximately €300 per cow in grant aid. If this works out, it could bring the funding to €240 per cow, which would be highly significant. From …

As we are discussing food and the importance of food, it is great to see young people in the Chamber for part of this debate. They are probably here on a tour. It is an interesting debate to be part of. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus roimh a chuid oifigigh go dtí an Teach. With all my colleagues I welcome this Bill. This is a really significant day not alone for farmers but also for consumers because it is going to give hope to producers, particularly smaller producers. I commend the Committee on Agriculture, Foo…

The Cathaoirleach is becoming very popular with all of the young people in the schools. I do not know about the teachers-----

It is always good to see young people from the schools. I have a school in from my own region, in Dangan, Kilmore, County Roscommon, today. The ushers of this House do a wonderful job with all our schools, giving fantastic tours with enthusiasm. They are lovely people who go out of their way to help everybody. I know all the schools feel the same because they tell me. I say “Well done” to them and all of their colleagues for the way they treat all of the people coming in and the schools. I appreciate the way they d…

I join others in paying my respects to the late Paul Coghlan. He was a joy to know. He was a humorous and kind man. He had a good outlook on life and always saw the bright side of things, no matter what uncertainty. It was a privilege to have been here with him for a while. I got to know him over the years because I knew him before I came into the House. I also express my support for the firefighters. I am quite hopeful that the Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, and the Government will be quite positive on this. It…

I also extend a céad míle fáilte to the Italian ambassador and join with everybody in welcoming him. We have a great affiliation and friendship with Italy. I hope he enjoys his day and his time in the House. I support Senator Ward's comments on safety. We have seen some tragedies in recent days whereby young people have lost their lives. As regards swimming, machinery and all that type of thing, we all want to see everybody being safe, especially this weekend. We do not want to see loss of life. Senator Ward's comm…

Like other colleagues, I extend a welcome to the Minister. I acknowledge the number of times he, as a senior Minister, comes here to the Seanad to inform Senators and address us. He gives us a lot of time here. No matter what side of the House we are on, we appreciate and acknowledge that. I welcome his recent statement on capital investments. Like other Members, I pay tribute to the Minister and his staff because he is a Minister who has simply put his head down with his officials to get work done. He is getting t…

Does Senator Warfield wish to press the amendment?

When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Minister, his staff, na Seanadóirí atá anseo, the staff of the House and the ushers. I appreciate all the support they have given to the Chair.

It is great to hear the great spirit among the young people this morning. They are very welcome. Not alone is the good weather here and they are in Seanad Éireann but the holidays are coming soon as well. All of us here wish that they enjoy themselves. I will start this morning by referring to the number of motorcycle accidents occurring in this country. Sadly, overnight two people were killed on motorcycles. The number of people who have been killed since the beginning of the year is substantially up on last year.…

Amendments Nos. 39 and 40 are related and may be discussed together, by agreement.

I thank Senator Gavan. As no other Senator wishes to make a contribution, I will hand over to the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman.

I thank the Minister.

I want to let in Senator Gavan in first.

I ask the Minister to address those two queries, starting with Senator Gavan's.