I propose to take Questions Nos. 376, 394, 401, 404, 405 and 408 together.
The draft rural development regulation is not just about forestry. It covers a range of rural development measures. Some of the proposals are positive and others, particularly that pertaining to forestry, are not.
When the proposed new regulation was published by the European Commission last summer, Ireland was one of the first member states to recognise the threat that the draft regulation posed to countries with active afforestation programmes.
From the outset, the Irish position on the draft regulation in respect of forestry has been clear and unequivocal. We have continually and consistently made known our opposition to the Commission's proposals particularly those proposing to reduce establishment grants, premiums and associated premium payment periods.
This is the position we have articulated consistently at every level from working group up to the agriculture Council. I expressed my views forcefully on the impact of the proposals for forestry in Ireland at the ministerial agriculture Council meeting in November 2004 and I also restated these concerns directly to Commissioner Fischer Boel.
Member states are coming to appreciate the full impact of the proposals on forestry and we will continue to work at all levels to achieve the best possible deal for Ireland in the admittedly tough negotiations that lie ahead. To this end, I am heartened by the support we are receiving from all sectors of the industry. Very early on in the process, I established a consultative-liaison group, comprising of representatives of the forestry sector. It meets regularly. Through this group, the sector is consulted and informed of developments and is involved in the development of the Irish position as the negotiations unfold. At this stage, intense negotiations on the regulation are continuing and a final decision is not expected to be taken by the Council of Ministers for several months.