John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am not sure why the delegation walked out. The president of Macra na Feirme issued a statement congratulating the Minister because at long last the body had been heard and a positive response rather than lip-service received regarding support.

The Minister deserves congratulations in many areas. It was a tough challenge to deal with the CAP, which despite extensive reform, came under sustained pressure. The Minister ably represented the Irish and EU interest in WTO negotiations on agriculture. The single payment scheme marked the commencement of a new era in agriculture. When people are happy with such achievements, they are easily glossed over but it is important to acknowledge the investment provided under the scheme. On 1 December 2005, the earliest start date under the EU regulation, the scheme commenced, as planned, with almost €1 billion in payments to 110,000 farmers, representing approximately 85% of applicants. Payments at the end of the year amounted to in excess of €1 billion. The Minister delivered to the farming sector.

I refer to the overshoot in special beef premiums about which we all came under pressure from the IFA. When the issue was resolved, the package included funding of €17.5 million benefitting 25,000 farmers. Among the Minister's other achievements is the record number of farmers participating in environmental schemes and a rural development package. The Minister has proved a success across the board but it is more important to be successful outside the House than inside. I support her and recognise her achievements.

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