Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am normally one to agree with the Order of Business but on this occasion it is such an important issue. We are talking of the stimulus package and everything else. There is a worry in rural Ireland for farming and for the rural economy and that what is good for Europe may not necessarily be good for the farmers in Ireland. This is very serious. Whether we can find time to extend the time allocated for statements post the European Council meeting or we have a debate on the matter some other day during the week, we need to discuss this in detail. There are too many mixed messages coming as well. The Taoiseach, Deputy Martin, has said that the agreement is good for Europe. Yes, that is fine, but it might not be good for us. Ireland will now be the fifth highest contributor to the EU funds, which is going to be very serious for Ireland.

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