Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

There must be a balanced outcome to the negotiations. Agriculture is an important element of an overall agreement but not the only element. l do not accept that agriculture or farmers should pay a disproportionate price for a new agreement.

Specific areas of the negotiations are of critical importance to us and we take a particular interest in those areas. We want to ensure that the European Union's system of decoupled direct payments, which make a major contribution to farm incomes in Ireland, continue to qualify as non-trade-distorting payments under the so-called "Green Box" and remain exempt from reductions under a new agreement. With regard to export subsidies, we will continue to insist on equal treatment for all forms of subsidy and on flexible phasing-out arrangements.

Market access will be a critical issue in the negotiations and the Government's aim is to retain the maximum possible level of protection for our producers and exporters from increased imports. We will seek to achieve this through a combination of tariff cuts and other mechanisms, including the designation of products of particular interest as "sensitive products".

I will support the Minister for Agriculture and Food as she continues to take an active role in the negotiations to achieve the most beneficial outcome for the Irish and European agriculture sector. Commissioner Mandelson must acknowledge the special role of the family farm in the Irish and European agriculture system. Equally, he must ensure there is no sell-out to the ranchers of the southern hemisphere.

The CAP was set up to ensure a stable food supply for Europe. Following changes, up to 600,000 tonnes of beef rights have been given to non-EU countries in recent times to allow them access to our market. Commissioner Mandelson proposes that this should be extended to over 1.3 million tonnes of beef. This is unacceptable. If Commissioner Mandelson must walk the plank, let him do so.