Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I appreciate the House will be busy next week but perhaps the Leader could set aside an hour for statements on the WTO talks. Senator Quinn suggested a certain line that should be pursued but I hold a different view. It is absolutely crucial that the Minister and our other representatives, through the European institutions, argue strongly for full support for Irish and European agriculture. Issues such as food quality, safety and security for European consumers have not been taken on board. It is only 50 years since Europe was unable to meet its own food requirements. The Common Agricultural Policy was introduced to ensure the European consumer would be guaranteed top quality food and it is important that should be protected at the WTO talks. Trade, debt and aid issues must also be dealt with but it is a fallacy to suggest the sell-out of Irish and European agriculture will solve all the world's problems. We have a responsibility to our own people and to people in the rest of Europe to ensure the quality and standard of foodstuffs are maintained. That can only be guaranteed through the full protection of the CAP. The House should send a strong signal to the Government to ensure Mr. Mandelson does not sell out European agriculture at the WTO Round.