Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes or even less time for myself. I support this important motion and I commend Senator Ray Butler on bringing it to the House.

The subject of this motion has been an issue for many years, particularly among those in the dairy sector and the wider agricultural industry. Farmers would feel exceptionally isolated if anything were to happen to them and they have felt that they have had to pay into a private fund which has become a major burden, particularly with the current situation in the agricultural industry. Senator Ray Butler's proposal will give those people some sense of security. That is what our role is about, trying to improve the people's quality of life in so far as we possibly can.

Today is probably a great day because not alone do we have this Minister in the House, and I welcome him here, but we had the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, here earlier bringing forward unique legislation on parental benefits, which is also important. Parental benefits with respect to children's benefits will now be recognised for males. That will affect self-employed people as well. We have discussed two issues today that affect the core of our society, people who go out and drive enterprise to ensure we have employment. I would be hopeful that we can progress this matter. It is an important issue and, with some luck, it will be progressed in the next few years.