John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

While I frequently disagree with him, Senator Ryan hit the nail on the head in discussing the sugar regime within the European Union. He is absolutely right that it is obvious the EU has responsibilities to the ACP countries and poorer regions of the world but it would be completely erroneous to believe those obligations would be fulfilled and the lot of growers in poorer parts of the world improved by the implementation of the Commission's proposals. It will not help other people to wipe out many farmers from a quite profitable enterprise. We must make our views on the matter well known.

There is a wider question involving the Common Agricultural Policy and the suggestion by Mr. Blair that it is up for renegotiation. As we explained last week, a very long and painful process was undergone by which prices were decoupled. The price of a product will no longer be the source of the revenue for farmers, which is appropriate as we must be competitive. If, however, we move towards world prices, a mechanism must be put in place whereby people in rural Ireland and rural Europe in general are protected. There is much more to the issue than the price of the product and the income of farmers. It is a question of the nature of rural society as a whole.

I am glad the Taoiseach stated that the Common Agricultural Policy is not up for renegotiation. It would be a matter of entirely bad faith by the European Union to try to unravel a deal which has been concluded for several years into the future. We must be explicit as to our views. It would be appropriate, if possible, to provide even one hour to debate these matters in the coming week. I suspect it would be too late if we were to hold a debate when we reconvene for the new session. While the programme is crowded and legislation must be dealt with first, I ask the Leader to provide time to discuss this matter of great significance. The European Union must be made aware of the consequences for the ratification of the constitutional treaty in Ireland if agriculture is not protected.