Mr. Paul O'Brien:

There were many questions from Deputy Fitzmaurice so I will pass them along to the IFA committee. Maybe I will just focus on what is happening in Europe between the other farm organisations. Yesterday myself and Geraldine O'Sullivan were in COPA-COGECA. The Deputy mentioned Sweden and Finland but other countries such as Germany and Austria among others are as concerned as we are.

They are bringing this back to their politicians with so much fear and trepidation about what this could possibly look like for farming incomes and farming practices going forward. Yes, most certainly the lead is Sweden. They have already written back to the Commission rejecting the proposals. We spent time with our Finnish counterparts yesterday and they were very fearful of how this will impact on them. Among the whole COPA-COGECA family of farm organisations, there is considerable concern. I will ask Ms O'Sullivan to speak on Article 4.