Denis Landy (Labour)

It is most enjoyable to watch joyous flirtation in the Chamber. Most of us are usually dull and argumentative but I congratulate the Minister of State and Senator Bradford. I welcome her to the House. Senator Bradford referred to showcasing Ireland. My recollection of the previous occasion on which Ireland held the Presidency was fleets of buses and high powered cars travelling from one location to another. I would like that not to happen next year and I hope the representatives of other member states will get to meet ordinary people. I acknowledge the Minister of State is working hard on that. That is important, not alone because of where we find ourselves economically but also to transform the perception the EU is distant from us when it is part of what we are.

The performance of our agricultural industry is phenomenal and we are experiencing growth. What will be done during the Presidency to enhance growth?

Senator Colm Burke referred to the European Globalisation Fund. My most recent experience of dealing with those administering the fund relates to the closure of TalkTalk in Waterford. I was in touch with a few of the workers earlier this week. The bureaucracy blocking them from accessing funds for educational opportunities is nauseating and I hope the Minister of State can rid us of that. It is deplorable that money available under the fund for former Dell workers was returned.