The Fischler reforms are unnecessary and not in accordance with stated EU policy objectives in respect of the European model of agriculture. They are entirely contradictory, ill-timed and will cost the Union money it does not have. I see no reason for the EU to embark on any significant reform at this time, still less to undertake the most fundamental reform since the CAP was established. These proposals will damage many Irish farming families. I am very concerned about their implications for farmers and their families in Monaghan, as they have been through a lot in recent years with the foot and mouth disease problem and other crises. The implementation of these proposals could prove to be the death knell for large areas of rural Monaghan. I see no course of action other than rejection of the proposals.