Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)

I did not get my cheque.

These trade talks present a glorious opportunity for Ireland to enhance the clean and green image of its agricultural produce. It is an opportunity to highlight research and development in quality agricultural produce. The message must be sent to Europe that our products are what it demands and are of a high and safe quality.

However, we will see this afternoon what the Government really thinks of Irish agriculture. The Government also has the opportunity to give effect to farmers producing crops that can provide clean energy. We will see if the Government is prepared to reduce taxes that are preventing this from happening. The bureaucratic regulations that prevent the establishment of farmers' markets must be done away with.

The spin, that some 85% of farmers have received their single farm payments, put out by the Department of Agriculture and Food is a disgrace.