Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Maraon le Seanadóirí eile, cuirim fáilte Uí Cheallaigh roimh an Coimisinéir anseo inniu. Mar a dúirt sí féin, is minic a raibh sí sa Teach seo mar Aire Rialtas agus Aire Stát le haghaidh díospóireachtaí agus Billí éagsúla a phlé.

While this may deviate somewhat from the Commissioner's portfolio, I wish to ask about agriculture which is still an important area for this country, despite the fact that we have expanded our exports into many other areas. Our fishing industry is also very important. Given the current discussions on the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy, it is fundamental that the outcomes are positive for Europe, including Ireland. I invite the Commissioner to comment on that point.

I have been critical in the House and elsewhere of the failure of the European Commission and the European Council to deal with the current unprecedented economic crisis we are facing. It looks to me as if it is being dealt with almost on a crisis-management basis, rather than through any great masterplan to deal with the difficulties we have. To concentrate on unemployment, 25% of our young people aged 18 and 35 are unemployed. In parts of Europe, the unemployment rate is over 50% so there is a real need to get ahead of the curve. Would the Commissioner like to comment on that?