To turn to the recently published Estimates, next year the Government will spend €1.39 billion in support of agriculture. This represents an increase of €62 million or 5% over the corresponding 2003 figure. When account is taken of the reduced expenditure requirements related to BSE in 2004, which arises from the improved disease situation, this expenditure represents an increase of 8% in real terms. A further €1.6 billion will be paid out on EU funded agricultural measures in 2004, mainly through direct payments to farmers. This will bring total expenditure on agriculture to approximately €3 billion in 2004. Direct payments to farmers will amount to an average of approximately €13,000 each per year.