Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I certainly agree with my colleagues that there is positivity about this. As was said by several speakers, the reality is we have to move in this direction. We have to deal with the legislation coming from Europe but, as Senator Boylan and others mentioned, the reputation we have for our food is really important.We must enhance that reputation even more and keep it there. Given that we export €15.5 billion worth of agricultural products every year, with the possibility that we can grow more, it is extremely important that we deal with that matter.

On the national veterinary prescription system, most farmers, once things are explained to them, want a good, tight system that ensures there is no abuse of the system. Naturally, we must treat our animals and look after them. However, we must also ensure that there is no abuse of the system. In certain instances in the past, there were abuses. Let us all be clear about that.

It is also important to state that it was tricky to get the balance right in the context of the legislation, especially with Brexit and the Northern Ireland situation. Senator Paul Daly and I spoke about this matter in the past. We had to ensure that the market could not be flooded with materials from Northern Ireland, particularly as the latter and Britain are no longer part of the EU.

I commend the agriculture committee. Senator Paul Daly is a member of the committee, which is chaired by Deputy Cahill. The committee has a good, sensible approach to all these matters. I have indicated previously that the progress we are making in this and many other areas is because of the way the Minister has spoken to the farming community and explained matters to its members. That is crucial to success in all these areas. When I talk to farmers individually, they all more or less agree with this type of situation being developed. They know the importance of our food business and want to keep it secure. Where farmers co-operate with this there will be more advance payments as well. It is the right move and the right way to go. I compliment all involved and hope this will lead to an even better system for agricultural goods as we go forward.