At the time certain interests in farming organisations vehemently opposed these reforms. They have learnt their lesson and are now among the staunchest defenders of the direct payments system. While they ponder whether to join the current social partnership process, I ask them seriously to reflect on where their best interests lie. The choice is theirs. One way or another this Government is going to continue the economic development and expansion of the economy. The Minister will maintain and, indeed, improve his impeccable record of looking after farmers and defending their interests. I ask farm leaders to remember that when the Commission tried to dismantle the 1992 CAP reforms in the Agenda 2000 negotiations the Minister, Deputy Joe Walsh, was again on hand to defend our farmers' interests and negotiated enhanced payments for them. The package of measures he negotiated brought direct payment rates to record levels. As a result, Irish farmers are today paid in excess of €1.6 billion annually through the Department by way of income supports. This is an important and increasing element of farmers' annual income.