Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)

This is a matter of national importance and it should be treated that way. I am disappointed that the Government parties did not agree with our motion. It is basically the same motion as theirs, but we are calling for the decision to be reversed until the EU proposals are sorted out. We should wait and see what comes from the negotiations. Speaker after speaker on the Government side agreed with that. In their heart, they are in favour of what we are proposing and I am going to afford them the opportunity to put into practice what they are saying. I want to thank everyone for contributing to the debate, which was excellent. We hope that the Minister will take on board the many issues that were raised. If the Minister is not willing to give an explanation to the House, he should at least give an explanation to the growers, the farmers, their representatives, the workers and their unions.