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

I want to give an assurance that significant effort has been put into negotiation of this Common Agricultural Policy. There has also been considerable interest shown by many member states to make this deal happen but no member state has as much to benefit out of it as we have. Leaving aside uncertainty after next week, if we have not finalised this deal next week it may be politically opportunistic for some to state that we failed in negotiations but it is important for the future direction of this country.

On Deputy Durkan's question as to what efforts have been made with the Commission and the other member states, there has been a great deal of work done by the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and much negotiation. A great deal of time has been spent outside of the formal meetings.

Informal meetings have been held and he has put great effort into trying to find a negotiated solution.

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