Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister would agree that the so-called objective criteria can be somewhat less than objective depending on how they are written. I am sure he does not accept that and will be trying to get these so-called objective criteria written in such a way that they will favour Ireland. Does the Minister accept that pillar 2 payments are of greater importance proportionately to areas of less fertile land? Can he confirm there will be a disadvantaged area scheme and a rural environment protection scheme under pillar 2? Will there be a mandatory minimum this time that must be used for Leader-type actions? In other words, the Leader-type actions will be taken out of this pillar 2 fund. On the previous occasion, a mandatory amount was required to be devoted to that type of non-farm activity. Can the Minister confirm if that will be the case this time and indicate what level is proposed?

Can the Minister give an absolute assurance to the House that in the event of Ireland being in the Presidency of the European Union when the final decisions are made on the CAP, no decision will be made on anything, in particular on pillar 1, until the decisions are made simultaneously? I do not mean they would all be put through on the nod on the final day, but real decision making should not take place on pillar 1 until we are absolutely clear on what is in pillar 2. Can the Minister confirm whether the Government will be able to provide the co-funding for the payments that will be provided by the European Union so that we can be assured of 100% drawdown of European money?

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