Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Okay. What struck me when I first looked at the treaty is how short it is. As has been indicated, it is only 11 pages long. The most important thing about it in contrast to previous treaties is that it contains key words that are easy to understand. The clear message I wish to send is that the treaty must be put in a language that is simple and understandable for everyone.

I am a small business man, in reality a sheep farmer. My business has good years and bad years. During the good years I either reinvest some of my profits back into the business or else I put it to one side because I know I will have bad years. During the bad years there are two ways I source finance. I either take it from my savings or, because I have proven to my bank that I am a successful business man, it will give me access to finance. Sometimes I am in control of my situation, such as the quality of the stock I produce, but at other times I am not in control such as in terms of weather and other such variables.

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