asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the Irish processed food products covered by EEC regulations 609/72; if any of these are likely to bear charges on exports to third countries as a result of this regulation which they do not carry at present; and if the firms concerned were consulted by him prior to this regulation being agreed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Processed Food Products.
159.
Regulations 609/ 72 apply mainly to the processed food products covered by the basic regulation 1059/69. A list of these is given on page 208 of the White Paper on the accession of Ireland to the European Communities. In addition it applies to a number of other products including certain soups, beers and certain spirits.
The effects on Irish exports of any measures adopted under Regulation 609/72 would depend on the action taken in regard to the basic product concerned as well as on the actual measure taken in regard to the particular processed food product involved.
Before introducing any measure under this regulation the Commission would have to consult each member state and the question of consulting any Irish firms that might be affected would arise at that stage.
Can the Minister tell us if any charges are in operation, or proposed, in relation to any existing Irish processed food exports?
I cannot tell the Deputy offhand.
Would the Minister not agree that that was the basic information sought in the question?
It is difficult to say.
I will put the question down again if I may.