Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

If we can get co-operation on the issue, we will progress further.

I do not know if there has been any initiative with regard to paedophilia. I will check, but Deputy Kenny is correct in so far as it is a problem everywhere because the individuals concerned move around. I will raise that matter at the meeting.

In response to Deputy Sherlock, compensation is an issue. However, we have argued that we would rather maintain our position, as difficult as that is. Different aspects of compensation have been raised but I am not sure it will cover adequately what the EU is trying to do. Perhaps compensation is a short-term mechanism to deal with the issue.

The argument within the WTO on the food area always sounds credible, although Europe is doing more than anywhere else, namely, that we should allow imports from everywhere else. Europe allows imports to a greater extent than others. When items such as sugar and fruit from African countries and elsewhere are allowed in, that has an effect on supply and demand and undermines trade. There is a knock-on effect. The simplistic view in the developing world is that it does not matter, the effect is not too big or small. However, Deputy Sherlock and I have to deal with the individuals who are affected by imports. The fact is that the decisions made and the lobbying done to date has led to a position where the price being offered for sugar will simply eliminate the industry here in its entirety. If we continue on that road other industries will follow.

Mr. Mandelson wants to agree everything in advance of the Doha round. There are other ways of negotiating and I would do it differently if I were in that position. We have made our point clearly and will fight to get an agreement on the sugar issue. Compensation is a major factor.

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