Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief because I pretty much agree with what Senators have said. I welcome the Bill. I welcome the Minister of State and thank him and his officials for the work they are doing.

As Senators have said, this is an important Bill which has to be passed. There is always a fear about more cumbersome work that has to be done by multinational companies. Obviously, a large number of people work for these companies. It is easier for them than it is for small farmers to do such work. That is different. It is important that we protect the sector. I come from a town in Clonmel that is heavily dependent on large multinationals in terms of employment and money coming into the area. It is important for us in that region that that is protected.

The previous Senator mentioned the Farrells. I suspect there might be a Tipperary connection. He spoke about his nephew. There are good Farrells in Cashel. My mother knew them very well, as the Senator knows. I support the Bill and some of the points that have been made can be brought up at a later stage. I look forward to having further discussion on the Bill.