Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The position we were to adopt on CAP reform seems to have been adopted by Mr. Peter Mandelson as an opening position rather than a final one. If the Irish argument is not convincing, why are Argentina and United States considering limiting Chinese cereal imports to protect their own domestic markets?

When the Doha round first opened, we were told we had plenty of fuel and food. Circumstances have changed and I cannot understand why Mr. Mandelson is being allowed a free hand to negotiate. I do not know where his mandate comes form. He is a trade negotiator for the European Union. Who shows him the limits?

I appreciate that the Minister is negotiating with the French, who have traditionally been our greatest ally in this regard. Under a different regime, France may have a different outlook on the matter but the reality is that if we do not address it, Europe will be at the end of the world food chain, just as it is at the end of the Siberian gas line. If we cut our expenditure on agriculture protection, which amounts to €40 billion, what will happen when food gets scarce? I do not know which testament of the Bible refers to seven fat kine and seven lean ones — I will have to check with my mother — but perhaps it was prophesy.

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