Under the agreement reached on the agricultural aspects of Agenda 2000 in Brussels on 11 March, I secured substantial improvements in the Commission's proposals for suckler cows. In spite of the fact that the price reduction will be 20 per cent rather than 30 per cent as proposed by the Commission, the basic suckler cow premium will be increased to 200 euro per head compared with the 180 euro originally proposed. In addition, the supplementary national premium of 24 euro per head will continue to be financed by FEOGA. Furthermore, suckler cows will qualify for a slaughter premium of 80 euro. Finally, I succeeded in preventing any reduction in our national suckler cow quota, thereby ensuring a strong base for the production of high quality beef for the supply to markets in the European Union. I am satisfied that the outcome of the negotiations will protect the viability of suckler cow production in Ireland.