Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Basically, yes. There is not really a weighting as such, because each side essentially has a veto, in that it can just not agree and therefore delay a decision. That is why people such as Pat The Cope Gallagher, MEP, are so important in the European Parliament, as is Jim Higgins, MEP. One is a full member of the fisheries committee, while the other is a substitute member. It is also important to have Irish interests on the environment committee. This week we put together a whole series of amendments to our common position - the kinds of amendment we were trying to get passed last night - and we have given these to our MEPs today. In this way they can try to move the European Parliament's position as close as possible to that of the Council, so that we end up with an agreement that is as close as possible to the document on which we agreed last night.

With regard to the all-Ireland approach, as mentioned by Deputy Ferris, I try to speak frequently to the Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle O'Neill, MLA, about CAP and CFP. We have a shared interest, North and South, in both farming and fishing, which is not always reflected in England. It is normally reflected in Scotland - not always, but normally - and generally Wales is somewhere between the English position and the Scottish and Northern Ireland position. I do not know whether this is politically correct, but when I am trying to get a better deal for Irish farmers or fishermen, as far as I am concerned I am negotiating for fishermen both North and South. Even though my mandate is for fishermen within the Republic of Ireland, I am conscious of the fact that many interests and concerns are shared North and South of the Border. That is why I have tried to meet representatives of farming organisations in Northern Ireland in particular and obtain a perspective on their concerns so we can try to accommodate them. I also work with the Northern Ireland Minister, who will be trying to push the British positions on both CFP and CAP in that direction also. It has been a constructive relationship so far.

I will not go into the historical issues. I agree with some of what the Deputies said, but not all of it.

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