Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the support of the Leader and the Cathaoirleach with regard to the event on Thursday next in the Seanad, where we will have families and self-advocates of autistic persons coming into the Chamber to hear their views and the concerns they have with the lack of services and supports from the State. I acknowledge the support of both of them in allowing that to happen. I invite any Members of the Seanad, if they wish to be here. It would be important to support those families and autistic persons while they are here.

I echo the concerns of Senator Paul Daly with regard to the sheep sector. All of us have met the various farmer organisations over recent weeks. We, as a State, cannot stand by and see farm families earn, in some cases, only €7 per head of sheep. Some families only earn very small amounts of money they are not able to live on. We have supported the beef sector and we put supports in place for the piggery sector. It is incumbent on us to support the sheep sector. I support Senator Daly's call for a discussion with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on that.

I echo the comments of Senators Seery Kearney and Ahearn. We cannot write people out of history. We have to acknowledge everybody for the work they have done. I acknowledge the work of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, but we mostly acknowledge the work the Minster, Deputy Coveney, did over a significant number of years in his role as Minister for Foreign Affairs in keeping the parties talking, representing our Government at those talks and laying the groundwork for the framework that was agreed yesterday. It is important to put that on the record. I acknowledge all those involved, especially my colleague. I know the personal sacrifices he made always to be there to work on Brexit or any issue regarding Northern Ireland.