Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in the kind and properly good words to Noel Murphy. I had the privilege of working with him as a member of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence for some time. We all worked with him when he was Superintendent here.He is an absolute gentleman to work with. He has a lovely personality and easy manner and I want to be associated with wishing him a great retirement, as we all do. I echo the words of the Cathaoirleach and other colleagues.

I will turn to the question raised very well by my colleague, Senator Kyne, earlier and perhaps by others, but I heard Senator Kyne's contribution. It relates to the sheep sector. We had a meeting with the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association, ICSA. Mr. Hugh Farrell who is from my county and the animal health and welfare chair was among the representatives, as was my neighbour from Longford, Councillor Paraic Brady, who is a prominent member. The association presented a dire case, stating that young people would not be able to stay in sheep farming. Senator Kyne went through the figures. They need to be subsidised within the next month. The pig sector got it earlier which was right. The sheep sector deserves to get €25 per ewe. They need a special payment to support them through this crisis in the very near future. It is needed within weeks. I appeal to the Deputy Leader to convey this request to the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, to try to get an outcome. I know the Minister is favourably disposed.

As a former teacher, like the Cathaoirleach, I am extraordinarily pleased that the hot meals for schools will be announced today. It is enormously important.