Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

By way of preamble I draw attention to how the Minister's language has shifted considerably from the statement in Limoges where he said that the sector "should be a priority for any unused funds within the CAP budget". Last night he indicated: "I wanted to ensure that the changes in the health check initiative will open the possibility for some useful action." Now the Minister is stating that he "may" use some of the €24 million fund to support the sheep sector. What the farmers who are protesting on Kildare Street want to know is whether the fund will be used. Will the Minister give a definitive commitment that he will honour the statement that was made at the conference in Limoges? Given that the Minister has committed to meeting representatives of the sector, will he move the date of 16 December forward given that the farmers are protesting outside Leinster House? It would be courteous if the Minister committed to meeting them earlier than 16 December.

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