Francis O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Minister on a job well done in Brussels. It was an excellent performance for which he deserves the congratulations of the House. I also commend the Ministers of State, Deputies Treacy and Aylward, and the negotiating team. A great deal was agreed for Ireland, despite tough opposition.

I especially welcome the preservation of the financial advances agreed under the Agenda 2000 accord and the agreement on policies which will grant farmers the latitude necessary to accommodate to changing demands and conditions. Even before the negotiations last month, the Minister had already achieved modifications to the Commission's proposals. In particular, he won concessions for young farmers who entered the industry during the reference period.