Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I welcome the fact that part of his forward strategy concerns simplification, which is of great importance particularly as everything surrounding the CAP is so bureaucratic. Many politicians and farmers supported CAP reform in 2003 because they believed it would preserve farmers' interests in future. There are major concerns at the moment, however, particularly concerning the WTO talks and subsidies. There are serious worries about these matters. Does the Minister agree that trust has been abused by Commissioner Mandelson given his willingness to go along with the demands of others at the WTO talks concerning EU support grants? Would the Minister also agree that the Lisbon treaty's proposed further diminution of national sovereignty and representation bodies will make it more difficult to defend Irish interests if the treaty is accepted? I would like to know the Minister's stand on the present talks, which are central to the survival of Irish farming. There is huge concern, particularly within the IFA. I heard the Minister referring to this earlier, so I would like to know what is the position.

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