Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I thank my friend and colleague, Senator Carty, for kindly sharing some of his time. I endorse a view expressed by Members on this side of the House, which I am sure would be endorsed by Members opposite, thanking Senator Carty for his wonderful contribution as a public representative in both Houses of the Oireachtas and at local level and wishing him and his family well in the future.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Shatter. As someone who I have called a friend for many years, having served with and under him on the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, I am delighted he has been promoted. The merit of his office is unquestioned and a long overdue acknowledgement of his capacity as a public representative and in his own field of work. I wish him every success in the future.

I wish to follow on from what Senator Carty said about the importance of the agriculture sector to the majority of people living outside the larger urban areas on the east coast. As Senator Carty said, it is vital we continue to wear the green jersey in this regard. The negotiations will be very difficult and other forces within Europe will prove hostile to the continuation of CAP. I mention also the debate on the Mercosur countries and the importation of beef.

I welcome in the programme for Government the establishment of a strategic investment bank to help small businesses which will be under the control of my newly promoted constituency colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy John Perry. Again, it is a well deserved promotion and acknowledgement for the Minister of State. I hope this bank will be set up as soon as possible within the 100 days. I welcome the new Government and wish it well and a fair wind. It has started well and I hope good luck continues for it.