Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I join my colleagues in welcoming Mr. Ó Neachtáin, MEP, to the House, particularly as County Clare becomes part of the north-west constituency for the next election. Mr. Ó Neachtáin does not currently have to represent Clare, yet he does so and has spent a considerable length of time in the county over the past few months. He has been very effective there.

The WTO talks have been of considerable concern to farmers in west Clare. Notwithstanding the changes made in the mid-term review, concern continues among farmers as a result of the WTO talks and their collapse in Cancún. Mr. Ó Neachtáin was a delegate at those talks and he might give us his views later on what he thinks the outcome may be. There are clear concerns about who the Commissioner might be and what other elements may arise for discussion.

I wish Mr. Ó Neachtáin well in his endeavours. Considering his understanding and his great ability, I have no doubt he will find it relatively easy to be re-elected. As Senator Moylan pointed out, Mr. Ó Neachtáin has a considerable amount of experience in Europe through his membership of the Committee of the Regions. It has struck many people with whom I have come into contact that during his visits to Clare, Mr. Ó Neachtáin has shown a good grasp and understanding of the issues and is able to deal with them.