asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the progress that has been made in the establishment of a common sheepmeat policy in the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Sheepmeat Policy.
24.
The proposals promised by the EEC Commission for a sheepmeat regulation have not yet come before the Council of Ministers. In June last the Commission indicated that in view of the many problems which had to be coped with in the ensuing months there was regrettably likely to be some further delay in this connection. I have of course been pressing and will continue to press for the earliest possible action in the matter.
Would the Minister consider, as an interim measure, a guaranteed minimum price for lamb?
No.
The Deputy is raising another matter.
Can he give any reason why not?
Because that would be a national scheme. We have consistently opposed national schemes and we shall continue to do so.
Would there be any possibility of the Minister changing his mind because, as he knows, any way in which money is given to the farmer other than directly will not be beneficial to him? That has been proven.
Except for a couple of months this year, prices have been very satisfactory for lamb.
Unless it is granted directly to the farmers, they will not receive it.
Is the Minister hopeful that a common sheepmeat policy will be introduced in the EEC?
Yes, I am hopeful.
The Minister is hopeful. How soon would he think?
I hope in the coming year.