John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

We have been confronted with a directive and a court judgment. We get €2.3 billion per year from the European Union and if we do not abide by this directive, we will face daily fines and will jeopardise some of the moneys we get. Is that what the Opposition wants? The Minister for Agriculture and Food will send out the statements to farmers showing that €2.3 billion will go to 140,000 recipients. That is a very significant amount of money. We have derived very significant benefits and we must accept our responsibilities.

It is untrue to say the implementation of the directive will drive thousands of farmers out of business. Some 10,000 dairy farmers have a problem.