Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We will continue to focus our efforts on securing a balanced outcome which takes account of the particular circumstances and challenges facing the agriculture sector, the opportunities presented for exports of our goods and services, and our commitment to promoting the interests of the world's poorest countries.

We want to see a successful outcome to the negotiations that is fair to all sides. However, we remain concerned at the clear lack of balance in the negotiations at this critical stage in the process. Our view is that a disproportionate burden is being placed on European agriculture.

Intensive activity continues at ministerial and official levels aimed at ensuring Ireland's concerns are brought to the attention of key figures in the negotiations. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, together with the Minister of State with responsibility for trade and commerce, have overall responsibility for co-ordinating Ireland's policy with regard to the WTO talks and are very engaged in promoting our interests. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, for his part, is active in putting forward Irish views on the negotiations related to agriculture. The Taoiseach and I also make strong interventions in support of Irish interests in contacts with European counterparts and with the Commission. This level of intense engagement will continue in the future. The Government will emphasise Ireland's concerns and insist that the negotiations provide an agreement that is fair and balanced to all sides. We will spare no effort in our defence of Ireland's interests.

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