Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I had a constructive meeting on Friday, 9 May with my French counterpart, Michel Barnier. We exchanged views on the ongoing WTO negotiations and it was clear that we had similar concerns about the lack of balance in the current situation and about the push for an early agreement, even though many important issues had yet to be resolved. Both of us had serious misgivings about the negative impact of the current proposals on EU agriculture. We agreed that it was important to communicate those concerns forcefully to the Commission and to build alliances with like-minded member states in support of our position.

The meeting is one of a series of contacts concerning the WTO arranged with the Commission and my counterparts in other member states. At yesterday's Agriculture Council of Ministers meeting I met the Agriculture Commissioner, Mrs. Fischer Boel, and I reiterated and highlighted Ireland's concerns to the Commission and to other member states, insisting that any WTO agreement must not place a disproportionate burden on EU and Irish agriculture.

I will continue also to ensure that Ireland plays a leading role in the group of 14-plus like-minded member states that have come together to express concerns on the direction of the WTO agriculture negotiations. I am travelling to Slovenia next week where I will have bilateral discussions on the WTO with my colleagues from other member states.

As to the veto, I remind Deputy Creed that the WTO negotiations are still in progress and there is no clarity as yet regarding either the eventual outcome or the timing of any deal. In those circumstances, it is premature to speak in terms of a veto at this point. Many aspects of the negotiations are still outstanding and we should not rush our fences. The important point is to continue to fight strongly for a balanced deal that does not sacrifice agriculture.

The House can rest assured that everything possible is being done, and at every political level, to ensure Ireland's interests are best protected in these negotiations. I intend to spare no effort and to continue to work with other member states in the days and weeks ahead on the matter.

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