Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

The honest answer is that we do not know. To use the Deputy's terminology, it is certainly still in the mix. We have been involved in conversations on a fairly regular basis with the Commission at official level. We have very good relations with the Commission and it listens to what we have to say. Ireland is one of the key players in CAP from a policy point of view. Because agriculture is so important to the Irish economy, the Commission takes us very seriously. We have made a strong case to the Commission urging it to be cautious in the context of the original leak which indicated that 2014 would be the base year. We have asked it to try to take account of our concerns and it stated that it would endeavour to do so.

We have also lobbied several governments in respect of this issue and encouraged them to express their concerns to the Commission. To a certain extent, this has worked. At least two other governments have expressed concern on this issue. I do not want to become involved in speculation on how the Commission will respond. I have an idea as to how it might proceed but it would be irresponsible of make any remarks which might get the rumour mill going again. I would rather wait to see what emerges next week. We have made our case very strongly and let us see how the Commission responds. We can deal with the consequences when the published document emerges.

See this speech in context