Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Minister is involved in other matters, and we hold the Presidency of the European Union, but it is disappointing that such short notice has been given for a change such as this. I would not like to see it as a precedent. In fairness to the Minister, he has a good attendance record in the Seanad. Senator Terry Leyden and others from all parties raised the ongoing fodder crisis yesterday. It is important that the Minister does his level best to come before the House as soon as possible. I suggest this should happen early next week. I do not run his diary but it is disappointing that such short notice was given. I respect the Minister and take him at his word.

It is not acceptable that there is still no Minister of State with responsibility for agriculture. It is a issue in terms of how business in this House and the Dáil operates. Is there any update from the Taoiseach on the replacement of the late Shane McEntee? If a new Minister of State had been in place, this situation would not have arisen. It shows very clearly that the Department is not operating at full capacity because there is a vacancy. Unfortunately we will oppose the Order of Business today on the basis of the very late change, because we cannot accept it.