Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the ambassador to the House. I offer my deepest condolences on the death of former Senator Jackman.

I support Senator Ó Donnghaile about having a passport office in Belfast. Belfast is the second city on this island and it should have a passport office. I have supported this for many years. I concur with all the Senator's comments.

I want to highlight rural Ireland at its best, especially the farming community. I draw attention to the agricultural shows being organised all around the country. Dundalk Agricultural Show will be on 12 June. It is always a wonderful day. I urge Senators to support their local shows. I commend the committees on these shows. It is so important to communities to showcase what they have and what we have as a rural community, including everything from livestock to chickens to brown bread. There is much talent and pride on show on these days. These days do not happen by accident. There are many emails, arrangements of sponsorship and time spent organising the day. Dundalk Agricultural Show goes back to the 1890s. It shows the long, proud tradition of agriculture in our county. I want to highlight the strong support for the Government for our agricultural shows, announced by the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, last week, and in previous weeks by the Minister, Deputy McConalogue. It is important that we support rural communities, farmers and businesses. I urge everyone to attend them and the Dundalk show on 12 June.