Regarding the WTO, the current round of negotiations is crucially important. The outcome will determine the framework within which we can support agriculture in the European Union and will trade for many years to come. At present, the aim is to conclude agreement on modalities – that is, the broad rules – for the liberalisation of trade by the end of March. In an effort to influence this aspect of the negotiations, the EU Commission submitted proposals to the WTO secretariat at the end of January. The EU paper was agreed after Ireland and France had requested that it be discussed by the Council of Ministers and after assurances, which we had sought about the level of protection for sensitive products, specifically beef and butter, were given.