asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that other EEC countries can take special protective steps which conflict with EEC policy; and if he will indicate why Ireland cannot do so and, for example, provide subsidies in respect of animal feeding-stuffs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Animal Feeding Subsidies.
9.
Any special protective measures taken by a member state have to be in accordance with the provisions of the Treaties including the Treaty of Accession. In particular, any subsidies granted by member states are subject to examination by the European Commission in accordance with the provisions of Articles 92 to 94 of the Treaty of Rome. I would also point out to the Deputy that commodity subsidies are not in this country's best interests. For this reason I opposed certain temporary subsidies on beef and pig-meat which were sought at the recent meeting of the Council of Ministers and agreed to them only when suitable offsetting arrangements, financed from FEOGA, were authorised to preserve this country's competitive position.
Is the Minister aware that the view is commonly held that we as a country are far too timid and negative in our approach in comparison with other EEC countries? It is believed that while we observe all EEC regulations to the letter of the law, other people seem to bend them when it suits their own purposes.
Perhaps the Deputy would indicate whether he believes in national subsidies or not? Is he advocating national subsidies?
I thank the Minister for his question, and if he would swop seats with me I would answer the question.
(Interruptions.)
The Chair has called the next question. We must make some progress.
Can we take it that as a result of this new arrangement the amount of the FEOGA grant allocation for this country for other purposes will be reduced accordingly?
I do not understand the Deputy's question. As long as the UK are unable to provide subsidies on a national scale we shall get full re-coupment of these subsidies from FEOGA, while they are being paid by Britain——
Would that reduce our allocations for other assistance from the FEOGA fund?
I have no indication of the effect it will have.
Yes or no?