Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

There is no regulator for agriculture, which is done in a different way in the EU. In fairness to Commissioner Fischer Boel, with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food we have been able to address most of the issues in agriculture in a satisfactory manner. We must comply with EU regulations and, while we have a review of some of the issues, most of the major obstacles have been overcome by the single payment scheme. The form is still too long and too difficult but we have tried to achieve an understanding with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Commission on that issue. We must be mindful of the resources we receive. That debate will be continued in the next review.

Regarding the issue in Cork, we will try to ensure they are not regulated.

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