Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I add my strong voice in support of my colleague, Deputy Mattie McGrath, on this difficult issue for the farming sector and particularly the dairy sector. Like my colleague, I emphasise that I have absolutely no difficulty with BirdWatch Ireland; I acknowledge the good work of this organisation not only in Tipperary but across the country. However, I wish to resolve this issue if at all possible.

According to the EESC:

The EESC has currently 344 Members who are appointed for a term of four years. The current mandate (2006-2010) ends in October 2010. Following the new Lisbon Treaty, from October 2010 onwards, the mandate will be five years. The number of EESC members will remain 344, but the Lisbon Treaty permits the number to grow up to 350 Members with the next EU enlargements.

This area needs to be examined. An extra seat could be provided to meet the needs of the extra environment pillar which has been created in the social partnership structure, to be allocated as appropriate to the sector. I believe the Government should enter into negotiations with EU to secure this extra environmental pillar seat.

In the meantime, I propose that traditional allocation of two seats for the farming sector - that is, the IFA and the ICMSA - be restored. It is important that the ICMSA as well as the IFA be represented on the committee in view of the upcoming reform of CAP, which is crucial for our dairy sector. I acknowledge the work of all the groups that have been mentioned in our speeches tonight.

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