The Government was sharply criticised for its performance on agriculture during a debate on a Fine Gael private member's motion.

The motion, which was debated on Tuesday and yesterday, was critical of the Government for its lack of understanding of the "ongoing deepening crisis" in agriculture and, in particular, its failure to open up market export opportunities. A Government amendment commended its continuing support for the agriculture, food and rural development sectors.

The party's spokesman on agriculture, Mr Paul Connaughton, said the industry was going through a depression at a time when virtually every other sector was booming. Many farming families were concerned about their very existence.

"There are many sectors in Irish agriculture going through a horrendous time."

The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, said the Government's commitment to farming could be seen in the level of direct payments to farmers. Last year they had exceeded £1 billion, representing 56 per cent of total farm income.

Figures produced by the food and agriculture policy research institute suggested that by 2007 direct payments would account for more than 70 per cent of farm income. In addition, substantial indirect subsidies were provided to the agri-food sector.

Ms Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Labour, Kerry South) said the Minister's actions since the conclusion of Agenda 2000 negotiations did not inspire confidence.

"In particular, the method of the allocation of the additional milk quota was a missed opportunity. I believe that the majority of this quota should have been allocated to farmers producing 35,000 gallons or less."

The Government amendment was passed by 69 votes to 59.