The Minister's efforts in Europe represent economic lunacy and send the wrong signals to the Commission and the European Union as we enter crucial talks on the Fischler proposals. What about beef premiums? Due to the fact that 2002 was a base year under Fischler calculations, farmers maximised their long-term future under those proposals by applying for special beef premiums up to the end of December. What has happened as a result? We are way over our quota and these farmers are being penalised by 16% to 20% of their income at a time when they can ill afford it. This is not the fault of the Commission or the EU, but of the Minister. In the Luxembourg talks, the Minister gave away those quota rights.