Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We cannot say it enough, but I also join Senators Fitzpatrick, Ó Donnghaile and Ardagh in utterly condemning the attack on Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell. He was off duty, with the community, with mixed and maybe no religions, and doing his best for young people. For his son and other young people to witness that is shocking. Maybe we could decide across the House to write a letter. I am sure the Cathaoirleach and the Leader could organise it. We could write a letter to the Mr. Caldwell's family and to the PSNI expressing our wish that he has a speedy recovery and he will be able to return to his job as quickly as possible. The most important thing is that he recovers from this appalling, brutal and outrageous attack.

I welcome the Government announcement of a 60% grant to install solar panels on farm homes, sheds and buildings. I know that whether in counties Roscommon, Meath, Galway or somewhere else, farmers have been crying out for this. This is important in the context of our climate goals. There is a €90,000 ceiling so it is quite generous and very important. I call for a debate at an appropriate time on water conservation. A lot of water, particularly on farms, runs away when we have heavy rainfall. It makes sense to help farmers store this water. I do not know if there is anything for that in the new targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS. There are 100 new areas where people can get funding under TAMS. That is something I have to check out. However, it is something we should engage with. Water is an important commodity. It is running scarce at times and we must realise that. It would be great if we could have assistance for farmers, businesses and others so they can store that water and put it to good use.