Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to comment on the incident that occurred in Monaghan this week where five cattle were put down. I am not aware of the full facts surrounding the case but it is a cause of concern and, on the face of it, it appears it was done in a heavy-handed manner. I understand they were five limousine heifers about 18 months old. This appears slightly over the top. When cattle get excited, it takes a while for them to settle down. Having been born and reared on a farm, there are ways and means in which cattle can be handled. I ask the Leader for a report on that particular incident.

I wish to raise the issue of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. Along with other Members, I attended a briefing by Colin and Eithne Bell from Newry. Three years ago, they lost a son in Australia in tragic circumstances and his body had to be repatriated. At that time the people of Newry fundraised. Arising from that incident, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was born. Since then, 197 bodies have been repatriated by that trust. When I speak of a trust, I am speaking of a husband and wife, Colin and Eithne Bell, and their children. I commend them on the work they do in a voluntary capacity.

I will give Members some idea of the work the trust does. In November 2015 the bodies of eight young Irish people had to be flown home to their families, which involved a huge cost. The service provided by the trust is invaluable and cannot be quantified. However, the need for the service has increased and the trust has got to a point where it needs help. It has opened an office but is under financial pressure and is seeking funding of approximately €50,000 per annum towards the running of the office. Will the Leader to contact the relevant Minister so that the issue is addressed as members of this family are providing a fantastic service on a purely voluntary basis and we should support them?