Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

In the light of Ireland's impending Presidency of the EU it would be appropriate to invite the Minister for Agriculture and Food to the Seanad as we seem to have forgotten that agriculture is still a mainstay of our economy. While it does not make headlines in the national newspapers it is very important to many Senators, including me and my constituency. We have a difficulty regarding sheep tagging because during the outbreak of foot and mouth disease sheep were tagged individually. The Minister should, during our Presidency, ensure we return to a flock tagging system which is more suitable. Can the Leader please invite the Minister to the House for a debate on agriculture before we assume Presidency of the EU?