Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It would be remiss of me to start without thanking my team in Wexford-Wicklow for putting me in this honourable position. I would like to thank my wife, Michelle, and my children, Seán and Mia. I would also like to thank the incredible support I got from my team in north Wexford and south Wicklow. I look forward to representing the constituency right across the board. I have to mention the town of Arklow, because for so long it never had any representation at national level and I will ensure I correct that fact.

Regarding the storm, I ask for a full inquiry into two facts. The first is how so much damage was done. The second is our reaction to the damage. I feel it was very reactive rather than proactive. I know that here is not the time to go through the detail, but I look forward to, I hope, participating in that review. I wholeheartedly congratulate all of those in the ESB and on the front line for the work they have done.

It would be totally remiss of me not to include our farming community in this debate. Yet again, it stood up to the mark, whether that was clearing trees, helping elderly neighbours or bringing food to those who needed it. That community was again the first to put on the green shirt. This is not the first time our farming community has risen to the occasion. With so much going on between succession, derogation, ash dieback and being weighed down with the bureaucracy, we must support this community. It is the heart and soul of the country. It keeps our roads clear, supports other local communities and safeguards our country. When we sit down to speak to farmers, we must keep that in mind. As there is a conveyor belt of young talent leaving the farming community, I ask that we do not forget the past couple of weeks.

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