Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

During the last European elections we had many farmers' meetings at which concerns were expressed about restrictions on pesticide use. Having been in the European Parliament, I know that Ireland is at a disadvantage as a large agricultural producer. Most views and legislation in the European Parliament are led by the consumer. We must ensure Ireland communicates its perspective as an agricultural producer so that we take commercial farming into account. There is a concern that, because the Minister of State has expressed views on a GM-free Ireland, we are moving towards an organic Ireland. This would make commercial farming a thing of the past in respect of responsible pesticide use, herbicide use and so on.

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