Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Boyhan. The people of Narraghmore, a little village in south Kildare, would be very proud of us both and of having two Members of the Oireachtas here. I thank the Senator for his warm comments.

The point he makes about women in agriculture is absolutely something we want to incorporate into our Presidency. To have the Presidency of the EU will obviously be a huge honour for us in Ireland, but with that comes a responsibility not just within the EU but also facing out from the EU. Women in agriculture is something I promoted at events when I was on trade missions in Mexico and other areas previously. One area where it is really important is Africa. We are associated with the G20 this year, which South Africa is holding. Incorporating the role of women in agriculture and linking it to food security in places like Africa is really important. Women in agriculture also features in our programme for Government, and there are key measures that I will look to progress over my term in the Department of agriculture to be able to enhance that role because I know how important it is. We have so many farms where women are the key driver of the farm but their name may not appear on the blue card or on the herd number and, therefore, their role is not as recognised. It is absolutely integral, however, and I know that from many circumstances. I am happy to work with the Senator and the other committee members on any ideas they might have for that or other elements of our Presidency as we build. The Senator is right that now is the time for planning it.

I was appointed as Minister for agriculture on 23 January. Four days later, I was at my first AGRIFISH Council meeting in Brussels and I was like the new boy in school being introduced to everybody. I realised that 16 meetings later, if I am still in the role, I will be in the chair. I have therefore had bilateral meetings with two or three ministers at every monthly meeting in order that by the time we get there, I will have met every single one of them and will know them well. I will be in Warsaw at the informal meeting in a couple of weeks' time, in June, as well. I will build those relationships, get to understand their priorities and ensure they can understand ours and, working together, hopefully deliver not only a very good CAP but also a very good Presidency that serves everyone well.