asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received a copy of the EEC Commission proposal for a joint organisation of the ethyl alcohol market; the main provisions thereof and its implications for Ireland; and the discussions thereon to date with interests in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Ethyl Alcohol.
101.
I have seen the draft regulation referred to in the question. This is a draft regulation submitted to the Council by the EEC Commission in March of this year on the establishment of a common organisation of the market in ethyl alcohol. The proposals include production and price systems, a system for trade and common rules concerning supplies and use. This is a most complex draft regulation and its implications for us would depend in some important respects on the interpretation of certain definitions in it. We are keeping in close touch with the principal interests which would be affected by the draft regulation and we will seek any necessary modifications of the proposals.
Would the Minister tell me with what interests he is in close consultation?
The various Irish interests here and the manufacturers of the spirits. I gather that there are also implications for Irish agriculture.
Has the Minister consulted the potato producers?
Personally I have not.
Has the Minister's Department communicated the terms of the directive to the potato producers and others in the alcohol market so that they will have notice of what is proposed?
I explained to the Deputy in my reply that this is a most complex draft regulation. Its implications would depend in some important respects on the interpretation of certain definitions in it. My Department have not endeavoured to communicate with anybody with regard to its implications until they can get all the points cleared up. I would not instruct my Department to communicate with anybody yet.
Would the Minister not agree that he could communicate the terms of the directive to the people concerned and let them decide on what interpretation they put on it? What is stopping the Minister from doing this?
They could help the Minister's Department to understand the directive.
There is nothing stopping me. I will not enter into any commitment for doing anything until I am quite satisfied that it is the proper thing to do.
Above all, do not do anything.