Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Coonan's amendment, despite the fact that it was criticised as lacking in substance by Senator Dardis. I remind Senator Dardis of the second line of the Government motion, which states the House "notes with approval the stated intention of the Minister". Every farmer in Ireland realises what those stated intentions are regarding agriculture. They represent inaction and the total demise of the industry.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Aylward, and regret the departure of the Minister, Deputy Joe Walsh. I was going to endorse Senator Callanan's congratulations to the Minister on being recognised in Europe for his contribution to agriculture. Apart from the personal recognition of the Minister, this is shown by the fact that the Minister has toed the European line and followed the European agenda slavishly. The result is the crisis in agriculture today.