Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I just want to state the facts. I have been entirely consistent. I said at the IFA meeting at Tullamore, where I was criticised for not making a commitment, that I made a commitment to seeking to gain access to the unused funds. I stated I wanted to ensure the changes in the CAP health check would open the possibility for some useful action in the sheep sector. I stated at the meeting that if we were successful at the health check negotiations, I would return to the farming organisations to talk to them. Ten minutes after the conclusion of the negotiations, I repeated this. That is what I am doing. The date is set for a meeting and the farm organisations have been invited to attend. I have no doubt that, in their capacity as strong advocates, they will be able to reiterate their point of view. My position has not changed one iota.

Deputy Sherlock knows that if one invites representatives to engage in consultation, one does not make a decision before consulting them.

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