Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Fran McNulty, the RTÉ "Prime Time" reporter who has been appointed as the new correspondent on agriculture and consumer affairs at the national broadcaster. I recognise the contribution made by former Deputy George Lee over five years as RTÉ correspondent on agriculture and the environment. He was very fair and focused and highlighted the issues in farming in a very positive way. He was an excellent correspondent. He brought a certain gravitas to the work and attention to an industry that did not receive that level of coverage in RTÉ until his appointment. RTÉ is funded through the Oireachtas or by those who pay their TV licence fee and we are being well served on the Brexit issue by correspondents such as Tony Connolly, Fiona Mitchell, Sean Whelan and Tommy Gorman. RTE has proved to be one of the most well respected and recognised broadcasters in the world for being fair and broadcasting the real truth of the news, not false news. We should recognise its work and excellent correspondents and reporters, including those on "Morning Ireland" and others throughout the day who give 100% to the people of Ireland. We are very lucky to have such a station in the State.