While the Agenda 2000 proposals do not include specific proposals for the sheepmeat sector, the proposals to change the method for calculating stocking density for the extensification premium in the beef sector area have implications for sheep producers. The Minister, Deputy Walsh, has already raised this issue in the course of the negotiations on Agenda 2000, with a view to ensuring that whatever arrangements are adopted for the extensification premium do not impact adversely on the sheep sector. He has sought for some time the introduction of an extensification premium for the sheep sector but the EU Commission has not acceded to his request on the grounds that the cost of such a premium, in the Union as a whole, would not be justified as sheep production is already an extensive operation. The Commission also sees the existence of the rural world premium, which is paid to producers in disadvantaged areas, as taking the place of an extensification payment.
Securing the best deal possible for the sheepmeat sector will remain my concern during these talks. In the course of the preparation for the Agenda 2000 negotiations the Minister availed of every opportunity to put Ireland's case in a series of bilateral meetings with Commissioner Fischler and his colleagues in the Council.