I cannot help but comment that the last time I heard the words "in such good condition" someone was commenting about a bull in the Balmoral agricultural show, so I would take that as a compliment.

This week, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Phil Hogan, issued a White Paper on the future of food and farming that outlines proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy after 2020. In this discussion and in producing a White Paper, we must always be mindful of low farm incomes in many sectors. This remains the most significant and challenging issue in regard to sustainable agriculture and farming enterprises, not only on the whole island of Ireland but also across the rest of the European Union. It is very important that we continue to attract new entrants to agriculture. I suggest, therefore, that we have a discussion on the Common Agricultural Policy for the period after 2020 in terms of how we can deliver better standards, fairer opportunities and equal opportunities for those who wish to derive their principal income from agriculture, forestry and horticulture. The sector is very significant in this country, but also across Europe. In addition, I stress the importance of the European Union. We must call on our colleagues and stand in solidarity with the farmers across the Union, especially regarding how the post-Brexit scenario will affect the Common Agricultural Policy.

I wish Senator Norris continued good health. He is an amazing character, great friend and great colleague. He has been a brave man. He has shone a light in many a dark place. He has been a brave and courageous man in advocating for human rights and gay rights. I hope he will continue to be here and to be that incorrigible, great character that he is because he enriches our deliberations in Seanad Éireann. Well done and thank you.

My apologies for jumping the gun yesterday in paying tribute to our esteemed colleague Senator Norris. I join my colleagues in wishing him many more years in this House. He has been here for 30 years and seven months. To be the longest sitting Member of Seanad Éireann in the history of the State is a massive achievement. He is to be congratulated. I wish him many more years here. I have served here for quite a number of years with him. He has fought many cases for the underprivileged and he is a champion of the underdog throughout the country. People in this State recognise that. No matter where one goes, they say Senator Norris is in the Seanad and that they would like to meet him. When one is with Senator Norris, people always rush up to have their photograph taken with him or to speak to him. He is held in the highest esteem throughout the country.

Senator Norris participated in "Operation Transformation" along with the Leader of the House and a former Member of the House, the late Nicky McFadden, sister of Senator Gabrielle McFadden. It was a great contest.

We won it.

Yes. The Senator was victorious. Once when I was in the Chair, Senator Norris asked me to leave the Chair and come down into the body of the Chamber to vote against the legislation on the referendum to abolish Seanad Éireann. I did not do that. I knew I would not have to and that, if the people got the chance, they would make the right decision. They did so. When one is in the Chair, one has to be on one's toes when dealing with Senator Norris, particularly when dealing with legislation or going through amendments. He is a very good public representative and knows the ins and outs of legislation on Committee and Report Stages. One needs to be on one's toes dealing with him. He has gained all his experience over 30 years. He has been a marvellous public representative and a marvellous Member of this House. He has done a great service to society and Irish political life. I congratulate him and wish him well.

I thank the Senator.

I ask the Leader for a debate in the near future on the high cost of electricity in this country. The cost in Ireland is the fourth highest in Europe. We should debate why we have one of the highest costs because it affects not only the consumer but also industry. I would like the Leader to arrange for this in the near future.