Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I support the call for a debate on agriculture. The actions taken in the budget in a host of areas cut right through agricultural policy in this country. A number of measures, such as the farm retirement scheme, are fundamental in maintaining and improving efficiency and encouraging the constant process of the modernisation of Irish agriculture. The Irish Farmers Association took a particular position with regard to the Lisbon treaty and made life difficult for the Government about the World Trade Organisation negotiations, but the Government should not be vindictive because the IFA adopted that position. The range of measures and the depth of the cuts displays a bit of payback time for farmers and the IFA. That is what I read in the budget and I welcome a debate on this matter.

A matter that should not go unnoticed, as it has been the subject of much discussion in these Houses, is the conclusion of oral hearings of the Mahon tribunal. I raise this because it is relevant to the national issues we discuss in this House and which are of fundamental importance. I have a question for the Leader. The tribunal was established essentially to investigate the activities of Fianna Fáil politicians. Those politicians under investigation have obstructed and delayed the work of the tribunals.