Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)

I extend my congratulations to the Cathaoirleach on his appointment and all the new Members elected to Seanad Éireann since my last visit here. The Seanad is a fine forum for discussing and promoting legislation and I like to initiate legislation here whenever I get the opportunity. It is a way of getting valuable contributions from Members and allows public debate on measures in order that the legislation is well refined by the time it gets to the Dáil. The Seanad input and public debate are a helpful influence on the legislation. My grá for Seanad Éireann probably emanates from the fact that I was a Member of this House at one time. To reassure those on the agricultural panel, it is not my intention to seek to return here in the near future.

This debate on agriculture and food is timely. We have considerable challenges before us with the mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy, enlargement of the European Union and the next world trade round. Senators contributions are awaited with interest.