Eileen Lynch (Fine Gael)

As a constituency colleague, I echo the comments of my colleagues here in congratulating the Cathaoirleach on his elevation to the role and wishing him all the very best for the term ahead.

This is my first term in the Seanad. I was elected on the Agricultural Panel. I come from a farming background of a dairy and beef farm and it is something that is incredibly important to me. I am very much looking forward to this committee getting started and the body of work that we have to do for the term ahead.

There was mention of the importance of agriculture and food to our economy. It has always traditionally been part of the backbone of our economy and our country. Agriculture faces so many challenges at the moment and I stress the importance of this committee in the promotion and progression of the agricultural sector.