P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach spoke about the flight of the earls, but is he aware of the flight of the farmers from the land of Ireland? I have a question on the proposed legislation on holding a referendum on the Lisbon treaty and the possible timing of this referendum. Is the Taoiseach aware of the serious concerns expressed by the president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association and the president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association about World Trade Organisation, WTO, talks regarding possible concessions the EU Trade Commissioner is making, for which he has no mandate? Has he, as Taoiseach, sought binding assurances from Commission President José Manuel Barroso that Commissioner Mandelson cannot go beyond the mandate that was confirmed at the EU Council of Ministers in October 2005? I acknowledge the efforts of the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Mary Coughlan, in defending Irish agriculture, but the Taoiseach must now row in behind the farmers because they are increasingly concerned that too much of our economy has been lost to European bureaucrats. They will need strong reassurances before acceding to the referendum on the reform treaty. This is a very important matter that I hope the Taoiseach will defend to the best of his ability and support the Minister for Agriculture and Food in trying to have a proper deal in place before the referendum.

See this speech in context