Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to join with colleagues in extending our sympathies to the victims of the bombing in Boston and wish all the badly injured people a very speedy recovery. It is appalling that a fabulous social and sporting event such as the Boston marathon could have been targeted by unscrupulous people. I hope the London marathon, which takes place this coming weekend, passes off without incident.

I know the Leader will not be able to accede to the request from Senator Ned O'Sullivan to amend the Order of Business today, but I ask that time be made available in the near future for a discussion on the challenges facing the farming community in light of the appalling weather in recent months, the shortage of fodder and the loss of animals.

It warrants a debate in this House and it would prove helpful to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

It is disappointing but not totally unexpected that the Croke Park II agreement has been rejected, although narrowly. The process highlighted the major challenges facing the country and gave the public a great insight into how various parts of the public service worked. I would like to see all parties getting back around the table to iron out some of the difficulties that emerged during the negotiations. We all agree that there were, possibly, some unfair elements that could be adjusted and that very high earners could take more of the pain. We should not let the issue disappear from the agenda. I would like to see all parties redouble their efforts to bring about a Croke Park II agreement. I do not think there is a significant difference between the parties when the matter is analysed in its entirety. There is still an opportunity and I urge the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to explore it.