I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 30 together.
The recent Council decisions on Common Agricultural Policy Reform contain a number of provisions, such as the spring premium for male cattle slaughterings, which should help sectors of the food industry to adapt to changes in the Common Agricultural Policy. In pressing for such provisions during the negotiations, I had in mind the Programme for Economic and Social Progress referred to by Deputy De Rossa, among other factors.
I nevertheless have under consideration what further measures will be needed for adaptation of the food industry to the new circumstances now that the Common Agricultural Policy Reform has been adopted. It is my intention to take the matter further with the European Commission and to take full account of the food industry's requirements in the context of the forthcoming negotiations on the EC structural funds.