Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

It is difficult to follow a passionate speech like Deputy Brady's but I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important debate. Like him, I represent a rural constituency. I was brought up on a small family farm in east Clare and I am well aware of the concerns and issues of farmers regarding this deal. I am fully aware of the issues and difficulties associated with the Mandelson proposals and, therefore, I do not need to be lectured by Opposition Members about their implications. We all have a clear understanding of the complex issues involved and the potential impact they will have not only on rural Ireland and the farmers but also the wider agriculture industry and the people employed in it. I am happy to contribute because of the impact of these proposals.

I am confident in the negotiating skills of Ministers and Ministers of State in various Departments and the approach adopted by the Government to the proposals. The Government has a clear understanding of the proposals' implications. The Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employed have adopted a skilful and diplomatic approach to the negotiations. This approach has stood Ireland well in the various challenges faced since its accession to the EU. This is not the first time we have faced difficult negotiations on proposals emanating from the Commission. Through the skilful and diplomatic approach of the Government, our permanent representatives in the EU and civil servants who regularly parse different proposals, Ireland is ready to take on the challenges from a diplomatic and political point of view. Civil servants and permanent representatives work behind the scenes in negotiations with other countries.

The Minister referred to her concerns about, and her opposition to, this deal and her efforts to build an alliance of like minded member states. This alliance was initially the group of 14 but this number has increased to 20 and includes a number of major powers within the EU. Success will be achieved through such an approach. Building alliances at Civil Service and Government level has stood Ireland well. I am amazed, therefore, that Opposition Members would ask the Minister to show her negotiating hand. Nobody would expect her to do this but she has been castigated by them.

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