Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures she intends to take to ensure that the Irish Farmers Association comes back into the partnership process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5970/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I very much regret the decision of some of the farmers' organisations to suspend their involvement in the partnership talks. They retain the option of re-joining the discussions, and I would urge them to do so, but this is a matter for them to decide.

The Government believes the farming pillar has a significant and useful part to play in the partnership process. In addition, it is very desirable that the importance of the agrifood sector is reflected in national agreements as it has been over the last 19 years. My Department will, therefore, remain fully involved in the talks with the remaining farmer organisation, and will stand ready to engage with others should they choose to rejoin the process.