Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, I add my congratulations and thanks to Martin and I wish him and his loved ones good health and happiness in his retirement.I ask everyone to spare a thought for the count staff from Kildare County Council in Punchestown because as we speak, there is a third recount to deal with the elimination of a candidate; it does not even relate to an actual seat. There is a fourth recount because there have been discrepancies in the previous three counts. We were there until the early hours this morning and as soon as I am finished here, I will be going back down. The last three seats in the country remain to be filled there. The staff have done a phenomenal job. I know they are absolutely exhausted at this point.

It is always important to have occasions where we can celebrate pride of place and a sense of joy in where we live. One such festival is June Fest in Newbridge. I was a founder member. Initially we had Bealtaine and then it was Junefest. One of the unique things this year took place last Wednesday. Unfortunately, I did not get to it because obviously, 48 hours before the local and European elections, we were out knocking on the doors. People from women's sheds from all over the country gathered there and they broke the Guinness Book of Records for the longest line dance in the world. A big shout out to those from all the women's sheds all over the country who came to the Curragh Racecourse to do that and to all those involved in the Newbridge women's shed who started the whole process.

Very concerning for all of us is the RTÉ "Prime Time Investigates" show to be aired this evening and tomorrow relating to the traceability of thousands of Irish horses. It also looks at cruelty to these fine animals, particularly in a facility near Straffan which, I understand, is the only place for horse slaughter. Part of it is licensed by the Department of agriculture but what is happening in a really bad way is taking place in another building that is not licensed. We will all be glued to the television this evening and tomorrow. We must absolutely root out this cruelty to animals. We are all shocked at what we are hearing about. I mentioned the HRI annual report about a month ago. It has put a new focus on animal welfare, which is welcome. I know we will be returning to this afterwards.