Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I accept what the Minister is saying about the political considerations but I am sure he will acknowledge that George Lyon's position on this issue will be very influential in terms of the final outcome. I also acknowledge that there are approximately 700 amendments to that particular report currently before the European Parliament.

The key for us at this stage of the process is to try to nail down a more definitive Government position, that is, to ascertain whether the Minister has come to a conclusion regarding the new system for payments for farmers post 2013. If I understand him correctly the Minister is saying that is an ongoing process and if that is the case, I accept that answer.

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