Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I read the transcript of the debate and discussions the Minister had and it seemed very much above board. The Commissioner appears to have been very forthcoming and supportive of the Minister's position. I wish the Minister very well in the negotiations. So far he has done a very good job.

As the Fine Gael spokesperson on agriculture, Deputy Doyle, noted, the CAP is a victim of its own success because so far it has provided for a very safe, healthy and traceable food supply in this country. That is very important, especially having regard to what is happening in South America. Traceability is crucially important. I noted that when Deputy Aylward asked questions, he did not receive very satisfactory answers from the Commissioner. We are very anxious we should not again face the issue of Brazilian beef. I, therefore, ask the Minister to fight strongly in order that we will be able to to say we know exactly where our food comes from, how it is produced and how safe it is.

Coming as I do from a rural town, I am aware of the devastation caused by the collapse of construction and how important it is that we go back to our roots and values in producing food. As some Members, including Senator Ellis, stated, we could very easily find ourselves in a situation where we would not have enough food or only a six-day supply. Compared to other countries such as Russia, for example, with its adverse weather conditions, we are very lucky to have the ability to produce food because of our wonderful soil and weather conditions, etc. It is important, therefore, that we contribute to the bank of food available.

I ask the Minister to try to reduce the bureaucracy and red tape which should be brought to an end because they are the scourge of so many farmers. It costs €1,800 to have a matter reviewed, perhaps 10% to 15% of an entire budget.

I highlight the very important value to the environment of the CAP and biodiversity. Farmers have taken on board the need to ensure the protection of wildlife and biodiversity.

I refer to another issue about which the Commissioner spoke, namely, sheep farming. Many rural parts of the country are extraordinarily difficult to farm. The Commissioner has stated sheep farming is not only about the production of food; he has guaranteed its protection in order to maintain a rural way of life in Ireland, which is welcome. He spoke about the Leader programme, which was also welcome because under the programme many grants have been provided for many rural pursuits and other items that have helped to sustain and maintain rural communities. He also mentioned forestry and rural development. Forestry is of huge importance in dealing with out carbon footprint.

I welcome the fact that the Commissioner has stated he intends to put in place as large a package as possible to apply across Europe. It is, therefore, incumbent on the Minister - God bless and save him - to fight as hard as he can for us.

This is for all of Europe and it is incumbent on the new Minister, God bless and save him, to fight as hard as he can for us. He certainly will have the backing of the Fine Gael spokesman, Deputy Andrew Doyle, Senator Bradford and I as well as all of our colleagues towards securing as good a package as he can.

The Commissioner said specifics would be taken into account, so please God the Minister will be able to outline specific circumstances necessary for Ireland to get as much as possible in the division of the pie.