Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

The success of our artists worldwide has meant they have been incredible ambassadors in terms of opening doors for us. We should celebrate that and I wish everyone well with getting funding for the Feis Ceoil.

Senators Norris, Coghlan and Ó Murchú expressed shock and disappointment at the death of the two eagles in Killarney, which is our number one destination for tourists. I never miss an opportunity to visit Killarney and go on holiday there every year. I have always said that if I could have a second place to live, it would be in Killarney. I will pass on the Senators' views to the Minister. I hope our worst fears are not realised.

Senator Hanafin called on the Government and the Minister to deal with the issue of stem cell research. I will inquire about this and come back to him on the issue. The Senator also made a serious statement regarding the great concerns of the farming community, market farmers in particular, about the low prices being received for their produce from supermarkets. The former Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business carried out an in-depth investigation, lasting almost two years, into the grocery order. The committee expressed definite all-party views on that order and came to the conclusion the order should have been retained. Our worst fears are now being realised.