Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Commissioner, Mr. Hogan, Ms Barbara Nolan from the office in Dublin and Mr. Kevin Keary from the Commissioner's cabinet. Of course, we all have the same jumper as far as Ireland is concerned. Mr. Hogan is the European Commissioner but he is knowledgeable on the Irish situation.

The whole question of transatlantic trade was raised. The partnership agreement has major implications. I am delighted that Mr. Hogan is the Commissioner with responsibility for farming for all 28 European countries. I am confident that he will ensure Ireland is protected against the import of genetically modified cattle with hormones and so on.

The question of surveillance of farmers from the sky is important. Approximately 8,000 farmers are being controlled by a satellite assessment of their places. Is Ireland the only country in the European Union that operates such stringent control of farm grants? Are we the exception to the rule?

My final question relates to the transposition of European directives into Irish law through statutory instruments. We need more debate at a local level on this question. When the Commissioner was Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, many directives were not brought into Irish law. I recall him telling me that he had to clear up some cases when he took office in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. It would be better if they came through primary legislation rather than statutory instrument. The process has caused untold difficulties, particularly with the bog situation and other issues that have arisen in the past. Some of these issues were not debated in the Houses.