Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

We are getting signals from Brussels that the Commission is unhappy with some of the levels of grant aid. We need to clarify that matter because we must ensure that, if we are to have a new strict system in place, we can help people who are penalised as a result of it.

I hope that the dialogue will continue between the Minister and the farming organisations. It is in the interests of the Minister, Opposition spokespersons, the IFA and farming families that we reach a workable consensus which will protect our environment and defend agriculture. We are all in this together and there will be no future for agriculture if we cannot protect our environment.