Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I have formed many political alliances around the table and used them extensively. They are not just in the agriculture area, but also in the fisheries area. We have good political alliances and continue to hold bilateral discussions. I will meet the forthcoming Presidency in Slovenia on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss these issues and did the same in previous presentations and preparations.

I agree that in some instances farmers do not see the European Union as a support mechanism, but as a hindrance. However, we must not forget that the Union continues to provide €1.3 billion through the single farm payment, for example. I have continued to pursue the issues at stake vigorously. As the Deputy knows, when it comes to public health, change can be complicated and difficult on the basis of what happened a number of years ago in other member states. There is a reluctance to move forward and press ahead. Perhaps some member states wish to be less progressive than us.

As I said, I have given an assurance to farming organisations that we will continue to press vigorously on the issue, as have farming organisations within the European Union.

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