Seanad debates
Tuesday, 11 November 2003
Direct Payments Decoupling: Statements.
The Minister received some 200 submissions on foot of his process of consultation, and he also commissioned an independent report by FAPRI-Ireland. Overall, there seems to be no doubt that the vast majority of farmers were in favour of full decoupling. In the wake of the consultation and research, the Minister has opted for full decoupling and we can all agree that, on the basis of the evidence in front of us, this was the correct decision to make. Furthermore, given the claims of sell-out last June, I was glad to see the Fine Gael Party welcoming the announcement of the Minister on pushing ahead with full decoupling.
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