Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I wish to refer first to the European Union. The discussion on the WTO talks impacts on the reform treaty referendum of 12 June. The European Union has been hugely advantageous to Irish farming and agriculture. Having grown up on a very small farm in west Donegal, I know the benefits of the CAP have been advantageous to Irish agriculture, particularly for small farmers in the west and rural communities.

Since we joined the European Union in 1973, Ireland has gained over €41 billion in direct transfers under the Common Agricultural Policy, with a further €12 billion expected from 2008 to 2013. For that reason, it is important to reflect on the significant role of the European Union. Payments may no longer be directly linked to production, but nonetheless, they are important to ensure that rural life continues to be as it is and was. While many farmers continue to be actively engaged in production, the cheque in the post from the Department is a necessary top-up that enables small and large farmers continue with their livelihoods. Opponents of the treaty allege it will result in Ireland's losing its veto in future WTO negotiations. That is not true. The Lisbon treaty would leave the situation on the WTO negotiations essentially unchanged. This means efforts to link the WTO and the treaty referendum are not grounded in any facts. Although there are changes of detail in the treaty, the essential point remains that Ireland will continue to be able to block any unacceptable deal emerging from negotiations such as the current WTO talks.

While many people, including me, have a common disregard for how Mr. Mandelson is dealing with this issue and how he dealt with the cheap import of goods from China and other countries, the only way to deal with discussions is to work together with other member states. Under the Lisbon treaty a unanimous decision by the member states will continue to be required for the conclusion of agreements in areas such as trade, services and commercial aspects of intellectual property where unanimity is required for the adoption of internal rules. The Lisbon treaty also provides for unanimity should any trade agreement impact on foreign direct investment, FDI, in circumstances where unanimity is requested for the adoption of internal rules. This ensures foreign direct investment arrangements, including our corporate tax regime, will continue to be decided here by the Irish Government and people. The Council must also act unanimously in the field of trade and social, educational and health services where these agreements risk seriously disturbing the national organisation of such services and prejudicing the responsibility of member states to deliver them. This means claims that the treaty would be used to impose the privatisation of health and educational services is false.

Over the weekend I issued a statement calling on Donegal farmers to support the treaty for two reasons. The first reason is that it will strengthen our case on the CAP health check due to be discussed and decided on in December under the chairmanship of the French agriculture Minister, Mr. Michel Barnier. The second reason, and perhaps more important to this country, the IFA and all farmers and rural communities in the country, is the WTO trade agreements. Some 151 countries seek a piece of the action under the negotiations. Ireland is one of those and it is my firm view that the only way we can use our leverage to its full potential is by working within the structure of the EU. If we vote "No" on 12 June I firmly believe we will undermine our position. Instead of taking the opportunity to strengthen our position, we will weaken our position.

Opponents of this treaty should stop playing politics with this issue and support the farming sector by seeking a "Yes" vote. Many farmers, when reflecting on the decision they will make on 12 June, will decide to vote for the treaty because it is the right thing to do for Irish farming, agriculture, rural Ireland and to strengthen our case to work with the other 26 member countries in negotiating a better deal for Ireland under the WTO. We have many allies in the EU, including France, Germany and others who support and agree with our stance on WTO.

My constituency colleague, the former Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Coughlan, did much work on this area. She went to Brussels and discussed the issue with Mr. Mandelson. She represented Irish farming interests with distinction. We have a very able new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Deputy Smith. He is steeped in agriculture and knows the business. We should not undermine our Minister's hand in the negotiations by voting "No". Under WTO we can strengthen our position and get the desired result by supporting the referendum on 12 June. Voting against it would not support rural Ireland and farming communities. We should take that message clearly on board and I believe the farming interests will do that. From speaking to very many farmers over recent weeks and canvassing for the referendum I know the farmers believe they will be best equipped to get the best deal by voting "Yes" on 12 June.