Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As to an assurance that everybody has been consulted, never before has there been so much consultation. The rural organisations, such as the Irish Farmers Association, the ICMSA, Macra na Feirme, the Irish cattle and livestock producers, all have been consulted. This House has been consulted on the ongoing negotiations.

On the fact that we held the Presidency and made such an impact, I was in Brussels only last week - I will be glad to be over there next week when these negotiations are being finalised - and due to the respect in which Ireland is now held because we have brought the matter from what was a difficult position some months ago to where we have it now, many of the worries and important issues for many throughout the country will be taken into account, particularly in regard to family farms and younger people. The Minister has emphasised always during the negotiations his commitment to bring about a position where increasing numbers of young people will take to the land. Only 9% of those involved in agriculture are under 35 years of age. That percentage must be increased and, hopefully, after next week it will be.

The Minister hopes people will be satisfied. Clearly everybody cannot be fully satisfied but we will be close to it.

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