Mr. Phil Hogan:

A Chathaoirligh agus a Sheanadóirí, I am delighted to be here among friends today. As a former Member of this House, it is always a pleasure to return here to engage with Senators, some of whom are, of course, former colleagues of mine. I cut my political teeth here as a young Senator between 1987 and 1989. I would like to think that some of the skills I learned and the friendships I made in this esteemed House served me well in subsequent years. I pay tribute to the work of Senators as legislators and to highlight the important role they play in scrutinising EU legislation.

As a politician, I believe that the more the EU institutions engage with and listen to national parliaments, the healthier it is for the functioning of the EU and the body politic generally. I am glad to say President Juncker has made this a priority for him and the new Commission. As a result, as stated by the Cathaoirleach, on my visits to national capitals I have visited nearly a dozen parliaments. Everywhere I go, I am glad to receive feedback and insights from the politicians who are on the ground dealing with the realities of agricultural politics. Of course, the issues are as rich and varied as Europe itself, from the vineyards and olive groves of southern Europe to the reindeer farms of the north, not to forget our own cattle marts.