Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will not delay the House because my colleague, Senator Ó Domhnaill, has covered the position we have taken comprehensively. The Minister has also outlined the position in a comprehensive fashion, which is his modus operandi. I welcome the clarification on many of the important issues. I endorse all that has been said so far in wishing the Minister well. In particular in the agriculture area, it is about wearing the green jersey, especially in the context of CAP reform negotiations. I am delighted he is receiving such strong support from our MEPs in the European Parliament which will play a key role in the issue.

It is interesting that the Friends of the Irish Environment which issued a statement recently has interesting views on the existing proposals. It said the Minister is opposed to the provision of 30% of the funds for greening which would benefit extensive rural farmers rather than intensive milk and beef production units. I am not sure that is exactly what the Minister said. The Minister corrected the record in that regard.