Between 1973 and 2001, Irish agriculture received €30 billion in supports, including market supports and direct payments. We have seen European Union assistance of €2.5 billion for investment in our farms and the food industry. Our farmers and the food industry have benefited from access to the European market where food prices are among the highest in the world. In the rural development area, there is the Leader programme, co-funded by the European Union. Measures like REPS, the rural environment protection scheme, have made a major contribution to environmental protection and enhancement. The mid-term review proposals are being negotiated by the Minister for Agriculture and Food and he should not have to negotiate with his hands tied behind his back. We could strengthen his position in the negotiations by agreeing to the Nice treaty.