Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

The rationalisation of the industry undertaken by the Commission resulted in a reduction of 6 million tonnes in production under a voluntary scheme. Greencore was the quota holder. I stated in the House clearly, as did the Tánaiste who was Minister at the time, that she was extremely active along with 13 other member states in opposing the Commission's proposals. As the process went along and decision day approached, there was constant contact with the Commission, the Agriculture Commissioner and other like minded states but opposition to the Commission's proposals dissipated. We did not have the support at the Council meeting to block the proposals and, in view of that, the Tánaiste, as Minister for Agriculture and Food at the time, rightly negotiated a compensation package in the event of the quota holder exiting the industry. That is how that came about. Greencore exited the industry, not the Government or the Department. The Tánaiste was vigorous in her continual opposition. She chaired and led the group of 14 likeminded states opposed to the Commission's proposals but, unfortunately-----

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