James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I support my colleagues in their call for a full debate on the decoupling of direct payments to farmers and on the steps the Minister might take to reduce the bureaucracy and red tape in farming because the present system is very complicated. We must also examine what the future holds for the development and promotional agencies such as Teagasc and Bord Bia, because there will be repercussions following the decision on direct payments. I would also like to know when the single payments for farmers will be determined.

I agree with my colleagues regarding the shabby manner in which the SDLP has been treated in the Northern Ireland talks. We must get things right in this area. Over the years I have greatly admired John Hume and his successor Mark Durkan. The SDLP has always been a pro peace party, a fact recognised worldwide, and it is important to have that party involved at all levels of the negotiations.