Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Mansergh for sharing time. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Aylward, to the House and congratulate him and his colleague, Deputy Treacy, on their appointments. I also thank the Minister, Deputy Joe Walsh, for the work he has done.

Many Senators have referred to the fact that the Minister has recognised the adverse effects the recent difficult weather conditions have had on farming and has brought forward the advance payments to farmers, at a rate of 80% instead of the usual 60%, as well as advancing 50% of cereal payments to arable farmers. That is welcome as is his announcement of the high rate of export refunds to Egypt.