Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to welcome back Mr. Jim Higgins, MEP, for the Ireland North-West constituency. As far as I know, he is the second Mayoman to hold the position of MEP. The late Seán Flanagan preceded him. I will check my records but I do not know of anybody else from County Mayo who was an MEP. This is great for the county, although I realise Mr. Higgins represents all counties in his constituency, including Roscommon. He was a Deputy for part of Roscommon at one stage, as far as I know. At least he ran for election there. He has been an MEP since 2004 and had a dual mandate at one stage. We used to debate his membership. He was prepared to vacate it for one of the diaspora, as far as I recall. That was his precondition and it was fair enough. He held both positions very well and was elected in 2004. He was re-elected in 2009.

I wish him success in future elections.

On the matter of elections, I very much regret that it appears the number of MEPs for Ireland will be reduced from 12 to 11. When we agreed to the admission of Croatia into the European Union, I did not realise we would lose an MEP as a result. That should not be part of the deal. I appreciate that there is a set number of MEPs in the European Union, but if Turkey becomes a member, for example, will we lose another two MEPs? Will we have the same number as Malta or Luxembourg? Ours is the most peripheral country, divided from continental Europe by the sea, and we need the current number of MEPs. Pat the Cope Gallagher and Marian Harkin also represent Mr. Higgins's constituency and they, too, appeared before the Seanad. Ireland can use its veto, but I understand it does not intend to do so.

The reorganisation of constituencies must be a concern for sitting MEPs who will be seeking re-election. I understand Mr. Higgins will seek re-election in 2014, but at this stage he does not even know what his constituency will be. He knows the basis of the constituency, but County Meath or some other place could be added to it. It is most unsatisfactory because the role of the European Parliament is very important.

With regard to the crisis in farming, has it become an issue at the European Parliament? A total of 143,000 cattle died between 1 January and 1 May this year, which is approximately 17,000 more than the figure for last year. That gives us an idea of the size of the crisis. It was mentioned this morning on the Order of Business that fodder was held up at a French port. Is there no emergency support from the European Union in dealing with a crisis such as this? We are importing fodder from the United Kingdom and France, but the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has provided less - approximately €3 million - than the €12 million provided in 1998 to deal with a similar crisis. The IFA and the co-operatives have given some assistance, but the problem is very serious. In Castlerea Livestock Mart a few days ago there was a queue, but many disappointed farmers were not in a position to obtain fodder. We contacted Connacht Gold in Athleague where it has a plant, but we are at the bottom of a long list. Adjoining farmers are very helpful and there has been great camaraderie among farmers in each community. They are working together and, to my knowledge, nobody has exploited the fodder crisis in his or her area.

It is an ongoing crisis which should be raised in the context of what to do in the future such as the distribution of fodder between European Union countries at cost price. Where there might be a surplus in a country such as France or Britain there should be some protocol or procedure whereby we can be made aware that it is available. One can stock up for bad winters, but there is an ongoing problem, as Mr. Higgins is aware. He travels through all constituencies and can see the quality of the cattle and what is happening. I was in Knockbridge and other areas in his former constituency and could see the effect the crisis was having. I know he is aware of it and doing his best, which is very important as a Member of the European Parliament.

With regard to the EU Presidency, I thank Mr. Higgins for his kind comments on Sinead. It is a great experience for the staff who went to the European Union from the various Departments to back up the Presidency. Believe it or not, as a former Minister of State, I was the negotiator on the Single European Act. Nobody gives me any recognition for this, but I was only able to do it because I had the staff, including the ambassador, to support me. I thank Mr. Higgins for mentioning the people concerned who are on the front line. Every Government has been served equally well by the permanent staff in Brussels. We have the best staff, which is generally recognised. Our Presidencies have always gone well and I congratulate the Government, the staff and particularly the ambassador in Brussels on the crucial negotiations that have taken place and which have been very successful to date. I wish them continued success. I used to travel there on a Sunday evening to attend meetings on the Monday and the briefings provided were second to none. We could always achieve this, above and beyond another member state. In fact, the proof is that when Croatia held the Presidency, staff were seconded from Ireland to help it during its Presidency.

I thank Mr. Higgins for his attendance. It is nice to see him back in the Seanad where he started his career in 1981 after being nominated by the late, great Dr. Garret FitzGerald. I wish him continued success and hope we can continue this liaison. I also thank the Leader of the House for arranging these meetings. The fact that this Parliament can bond with the European Parliament is very important. That line of communication between us is vital and long may it continue.