I join my colleagues in congratulating Nóirín O'Sullivan on her appointment as Garda Commissioner.

I ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, to ensure the rural development plan in Brussels is agreed by the end of the year in order that the maximum possible number of farmers can be included in the GLAS scheme. We need to do this in early January because it will take a considerable amount of time to get plans ready. It is important that agreement is reached.

I also welcome the move on medical cards yesterday by the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar.