James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I support the call by Senator Brian Hayes for an update on Seanad reform proposals. When Senator O'Rourke took over as Leader of the House, it was one of her aims, as announced in a fanfare of publicity, to bring forward legislation in this area. We have heard very little since the report was published.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Agriculture and Food to the House to attend a debate on beef premium penalties of over €90 million which are to be imposed on Irish farmers. All the farming organisations were outside the gates of Leinster House and in Buswell's Hotel last week protesting on this issue. As a farmer, I believe we should not be penalised following the changeover to full decoupling. Commitments were given by the former EU Commissioner, Mr. Franz Fischler, and the then Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Walsh, that no penalties would be imposed on Irish farmers if we opted for full decoupling at that time. It was made clear that individual farmers would not lose out from the changeover to full decoupling. There is an onus on the Minister to honour this commitment. As we speak, all agricultural enterprises are in a very depressed state.