Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

No. I point out to Deputy Creed the document we issued was consultative. It was to generate debate and to put out the parameters of the issues to be discussed. We have clearly stated that we have no set views. The point we have outlined strongly, clearly and consistently in Europe is that we must have a well-funded CAP. We will not tolerate the weakening of the European Union's food production base. We must meet the challenges.

Food production must be doubled by 2050 and there are climate change issues and those of the protection of the environment. I have reiterated the point consistently in Europe and I fervently believe that if we were to lessen or weaken the food production base in Europe which, by definition, is a very efficient system, it would shift the demand for more food production to less efficient systems in continents far away from us. Such a shift in demand would lead to deforestation, production of food in less efficient systems and the transport of food throughout the world. The end result of this would be an increase in the carbon footprint. We sent out the document during the summer and I appreciate Deputy Creed's response, that of other Members and that of many organisations. The purpose of the document was to initiate discussion and debate. We have not given any indication that we want to move from the single payment supported scheme to a flat base system. We have not indicated that to any extent whatsoever. In the CAP health check, a consultative committee worked closely with my Department. We will again be establishing a consultative committee representative of all interest groups to work on devising proposals well in advance of the serious discussions that will commence.

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