Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

I see Mr. Barnier has indicated an anxiety to complete the health check during the French Presidency. Does the Minister think that is realistic? Does the Minister agree with what is on the table regarding modulation? I am interested in this particularly in the context of the Irish sheep sector. I suspect a nod and wink game is being played between the Minister and the Commissioner; the Minister will publicly oppose the increased modulation, but on the basis that it will salvage the sheep sector, he will take credit for it out of the other side of his mouth. No robbing Peter to pay Paul is acceptable in the context of the single farm payment modulation proposals. We need something for the sheep industry but not by taking from one farmer's pocket to put it into another's. Returning here and hiding behind Commissioner Fischer Boel's coat tails on modulation will not be acceptable.

My second question is serious and coming from where he does in terms of the milk industry and processing companies in his area the Minister will be very familiar with it. Global dairy markets are in a tail spin. While much of the debate on the CAP health check is on increased quotas, would the Minister agree that the political imperative is to put some kind of floor price on dairy produce? Skimmed milk powder and butter prices are down almost 50% in 12 months. It is an alarming situation and predictions on price per litre will cause carnage not just at farm gate but also in the processing industry. Will the Minister use the health check to advance that agenda of imposing a floor price on dairy produce?

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