Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 1

Written Answers. - Nice Treaty Referendum.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

49 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he views the rejection of the Nice treaty as an erosion of the goodwill from the European Union that has benefited Irish agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18798/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I do not believe that the benefits of EU membership to Irish agriculture were an issue in the referendum on the Nice treaty. I have not detected any change in attitude by the Council of Ministers or the Commission towards Irish agriculture as a result of the outcome of the referendum.