Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader arrange for a discussion before the end of our term here on the developments in agriculture? The Minister made widespread announcements last night, some on investment in farming. I am very concerned about the termination of the applications for REPS 4 at close of business, 5.30 p.m. today. It has major implications for those on REPS 3 who are finishing in 2010 and could have changed to REPS 4 last May but were advised otherwise by many in this and the other House.

I am very concerned about this situation. It has major implications, including on the second Lisbon treaty referendum on 2 October. Such moves that affect European payments directly to farmers have a major impact. We have spent €3 billion since 1994 on REPS. It has been a very beneficial investment in rural Ireland. It has made a significant difference and has given employment to people in rural Ireland since 1994. I appreciate the constraints under which the Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, is working and he is doing a very good job, from an agricultural constituency, in a Government that is not totally agriculturally oriented - I am not referring to the Fianna Fáil side.