Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his detailed reply, much of which we agree with. This is my first time dealing with CAP reform during Question Time and I would like to continue in a vein of support because this is an area of vital national interest and it is important that we achieve the best possible result. I refer to the proposals in the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food going forward. I look forward to working with the Minister from that point of view.

What are the Minister and the Taoiseach doing about seeking support from their colleagues in the Union regarding the CAP to secure major benefits for Ireland from our allies in Europe? The first part of the problem is to ensure the budget for the CAP is not tampered with and is, at least, maintained because it represents a huge opportunity for the agriculture industry bearing in mind the global population will increase by 1.5 billion by 2012. The Minister of State referred to the production of biofuel crops earlier and anaerobic digestion. Food security is important. The leaked document would lead one to believe that the EU will allow greater co-financing by national governments. What do the Minster and the Government think of that, given the constraints on our domestic budget?

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