Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I myself and numerous other Senators here today also live in rural constituencies and experience first hand the challenges faced by communities all over the country on a daily basis. We are all aware of the major role agriculture plays in creating employment, generating economic activity and acting as a custodian of the countryside in Ireland. The extreme weather conditions over the past year have placed an enormous stress and strain on farmers, which in turn in some cases can lead to mental stress and anxiety. This had brought an unwelcome hardship to farming families and clearly demonstrates the unique vulnerability and exposure of agriculture to fluctuations in the weather.

I welcome that the Commissioner put the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, at the top of his agenda since coming into office. It is safe to say that most of us from rural Ireland and many more are watching the ongoing debate that is currently taking place on the next Common Agricultural Policy. Commissioner Hogan will be aware that the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine which he will be meeting this afternoon, is playing an active role in the examination and conversation around CAP and the impact it will have on various sectors in Ireland.I am aware that he had an opportunity to meet members of national parliaments, including a delegation from the Oireachtas joint committee, on the issue of CAP at a meeting organised by the European Parliament's agriculture committee and national parliaments on Tuesday of this week. The ongoing engagement of the European Commission and the European Parliament with member states is to be welcomed, as is the Commissioner's visit to us here today.

We must do all we can to protect our farming communities. I have no doubt that Commissioner Hogan's practical experiences and life lessons will stand him well in dealing with the challenges faced by farmers in Ireland and in all corners of the EU. I trust that he will have the foresight and commitment to develop and make agriculture into a sustainable industry, given that it is such a vital component in keeping our rural communities alive.

In welcoming the Commissioner today, I am aware that he is representing Ireland at probably the most significant time in the 60-year history of the EU. The challenges presented by the UK's decision to leave the EU will be felt in all 27 remaining states for many years to come. It goes without saying that the challenges for Ireland are immense. However, I am heartened by the reaction of the 27 remaining member states and their sense of loyalty to the European project. Although Brexit is difficult for us, I know we will find the strength and determination to shape our own destiny and create a stronger Europe through a united and more determined Union. I think we are aware of the role Commissioner Hogan has played in explaining Ireland's unique situation and keeping Ireland's interests to the fore in the minds of his fellow Commissioners and the wider European family. We thank him for that.

I am aware that he has been to the fore in various trade negotiations and agreements on behalf of the EU and our global partners. For example, he was at the heart of the negotiations in Japan at the successful conclusion of the final discussions on the EU-Japan economic partnership agreement, which puts in place the largest bilateral trade agreement ever negotiated by the EU. I understand he was central in reaching an agreement in principle on trade and investment between the EU and Mexico, after many months of negotiations. We were pleased to hear the Minister, Deputy Creed, announce last week that the Chinese beef market is to be opened to exports from Ireland. The opening of this key market presents an excellent opportunity for the Irish beef sector from farmers to processors. The decision of the Chinese authorities represents a significant endorsement of Ireland's superior standards of food safety. Such agreements have a serious economic impact throughout EU member states. For Ireland, they present many opportunities for additional trading opportunities for our farmers, entrepreneurs, SMEs and larger industries. Opening and developing new markets is a key part of our response to the uncertainties arising from Brexit.

We wish Commissioner Hogan continued success as he endeavours to find and negotiate new markets in the critical agriculture sector and other sectors for the benefit of us all. A Choimisinéir, is pléisiúr é dom cuireadh a thabhairt duit anois Seanad Éireann a aitheasc. Commissioner, it is now my pleasure to invite you to address Seanad Éireann.