asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the alterations he envisages at this stage in the common agricultural policy of the EEC which would benefit Irish farmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Agricultural Policy.
14.
While the common agricultural policy in its present form is generally very beneficial to Irish farmers, there are certain modifications which I would like to see made in it. In particular, I would like to see the phasing out and elimination of the monetary compensatory amounts system, the strengthening of the beef import system and the extension of the market organisation to cover sheepmeat and potatoes.
At their meeting on 2nd October the Council of Ministers asked the Commission to draw up before the end of February next a comprehensive stocktaking of the common agricultural policy. The Commission's report and conclusions will then be the subject of a full discussion by the Council and the European Parliament. In those discussions I intend to ensure that the interests of Irish farmers will be fully taken into account.