Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Victor Boyhan raised the very important issue of live cattle exports to the Middle East and the allegations surrounding such exports. None of us can condone the mistreatment of animals. As he rightly said, the cases highlighted by the Senator illustrate the need for traceability. We pride ourselves, in particular, on the excellence of the beef we produce. I hope we can stand over it. I will have the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Michael McDowell mentioned the Citizens' Assembly. Notwithstanding the Leas-Chathaoirleach's very fine ruling that it is a matter for the Committee of Procedure and Privileges which will discuss it next week, it will be a joint committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Its composition will be a matter for debate, but I hope all sides of this House and the Dáil will be represented on it.On Senator Craughwell's point, if he is happy to accept my position - I have always acted in good faith and do not want to divide the House. The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, is travelling to the North. It is a matter of national security. The Senator is right to raise it and I would be happy to work with him to ensure that there is no compromising.