Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

This is an important issue and I agree with Deputy Sheehan. The mandate of the European Union as enunciated a few years ago is one I have defended all the way through. Deputy Sheehan is referring to the efforts now being made as regards the WTO talks. It appears that attempts will be made to have movement on this over the spring period. It will be about the fourth or fifth time Commissioner Mandelson and others will have tried this, and they are making serious efforts again. It creates risks for Ireland every time this round of negotiations comes up. We shall do everything possible, both on the trade side and the agricultural side. Most of this business is now concentrated on the trade side and a majority of countries negotiate under this forum rather than on the agricultural side, which always creates a problem for Ireland. However, we shall continue to fight our corner to the best of our ability.

See this speech in context