Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. Last month 10,000 farmers converged outside Leinster House to demonstrate their strong opposition to Commissioner Mandelson's World Trade Organisation deal. I have attended several meetings of farming organisations in my constituency and the biggest issue on the agenda is the request for the Government to make clear its position on Ireland's right to veto the WTO proposals, especially if there are issues which are very damaging to agriculture.

Yesterday I was disappointed to hear the Minister say a good deal had been negotiated. I find that quite extraordinary. After her meeting with Commissioner Mandelson, the former Minister was so forthright in stating that there were only losses and certainly no gains for Ireland in the WTO deal. She said there was nothing for farmers, the industry or services in the WTO deal.

The farming community has made it clear that it is interested in ensuring a union of the member states which would guarantee efficiency and a functioning Europe which would be very influential on the world stage, especially with the emerging powers, the US and Asia, which was referred to by my colleagues.

Commissioner Mandelson has abandoned the interests of the people he is supposed to represent. He has ignored the past decisions of the Council of Ministers. Commissioner Mandelson's record in office represents power without any responsibility. It is an ego trip. His brief is as our appointed negotiator but he sells us out at every turn.

This idea of sensitive product status for beef is not viable. Prices will be €2 per kg, which will wipe out Ireland's 1 million beef cows. The Minister should not shilly-shally about this and should let the farming community know about the veto because so much depends on it.