Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will let the Deputy come back in because I want to deal as best I can with all the other issues that have been raised.

Deputy Penrose made this point in the context of the CAP but there are competing and conflicting interests around the table in Europe on all these issues and certainly on Mercosur. There are forces in Europe that are gung-ho for a deal in circumstances that would not suit us. We are busy forging alliances with people who share our concerns. There are other forces at play that do not share our analysis of this. Whereas offers have been made, nothing is agreed yet. I am aware of the point made on the 70,000 tonnes as being the public position. Reference has been made to 99,000 tonnes etc. However, there has been no formal offer in that context. The Taoiseach has been active in writing to President Juncker on the matter in recent days.

We will continue to push the case that reflects the best interests of Irish agriculture. We are conscious that others do not share our analysis. We are trying to secure the best possible deal we can. We would prefer beef not to be part of the deal. If beef is to be in the deal, we would prefer to have as little as possible and to have the most favourable outcome for us in respect of fresh, frozen and manufacturing beef. That is what motivates us and motivates the Department. It is an analysis we share with the farming industry. We are not the only ones with skin in the game and others are pushing other angles on this. We are doing the best we possibly can on that.

Are there any other specific issues?