Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

He is retiring today after a lengthy, distinguished career as support person to us. He is finishing as Captain of the Guard and Chief Superintendent of the House. He is a gentleman. I met Noel for the first time in 2011 when I was first elected to Seanad Éireann and I have got to know him extremely well in the past 12 years. What makes Noel exceptional is that his father is originally from County Clare, and not only County Clare, but Ennistymon. I have always had a special and close relationship with him because of that and he has always been extremely good to me in his various capacities in the Houses. I wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement and hope to see him many times in Ennistymon in the coming months and years.

I also support my colleagues in what they have said about the sheep industry today. I met members of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, ICMSA, yesterday with Councillor Paraic Brady and others. The level of return sheep farmers are getting at the moment is shocking. It is not acceptable in the same way as it was not acceptable for pig farmers this time last year. There was an intervention for pig farmers which was correct. There should also be an intervention for sheep farmers. They play a vital role, not only from an economic perspective in providing lamb and so on, but also from an environmental perspective. The sheep in the Burren, Achill Island and other areas play a vital role in environmental protection. I sincerely hope that the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, is listening, because sheep farmers are prevalent in Donegal. I am sure he is also listening to the farmers in Donegal and have no doubt he will announce a package because he is a good Minister who is clued in to what is happening on the ground. I look forward to that package and encourage him to announce it soon because these people are under enormous pressure.