Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply and in many respects he ticks all the boxes regarding the concerns that face Ireland. Would the Minister accept that with the appointment of a new Commission shortly we are entering a critical phase? This debate will not be determined in 2013. In the interim period between now and then critical connections will be made at a European level and alliances and friendships forged that will deliver the kind of package that will best serve the Irish agri-food industry.

Would the Minister accept that food security and the family farm structure in Europe, as enshrined in the Treaty of Rome, are the two key pillars that will best serve the interests of Irish agriculture? When one factors in the more up-to-date concerns on climate change, etc., one has the makings of a very strong case to protect the incomes of Irish farmers in the post 2013 situation given that there will be legitimate concerns from the new accession states for a more equitable share-out. The Minister has the makings of a strong case to protect Irish farmers' incomes after 2013 given that the new accession states will have legitimate concerns for a more equitable share out. We need to protect our interests which is best done by arguing for food security rather than outsourcing food production.

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