Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 May 1975

Vol. 281 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Beef Imports.

48.

Dr. Gibbons

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, at the beginning of the meeting of Ministers which accepted the proposal of the EEC Commission to permit the importation of beef from third countries, it was decided to distinguish items on the agenda requiring decision by unanimity under the Treaty as indicated in the answer to Question No. 36 on 4th February, 1975; and, if not, why the stated procedure was not followed, in view of the fact that the proposal was one of vital national importance for the State.

49.

Dr. Gibbons

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he indicated to the Council of Ministers that the EEC Commission's proposal for the importation of beef from third countries was a matter of vital national interest to Ireland and as such was a proposal to which he found it necessary to apply the veto.

Mr. Clinton

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.

I would point out to the Deputy that the matter before the Council was a decision that had already been taken by the Commission within its competence under the beef regulation. Consideration by the Council of this decision did not require unanimity of voting and the question of a veto did not arise. The Commission's decision could be amended or annulled by a qualified majority vote of the Council but in fact in the vote which took place such a majority supported the Commission.

Dr. Gibbons

If this matter comes up in future will it be the same approach?

Mr. Clinton

I am afraid so because it is within the Commission's competence. It was a decision, not a set of proposals from the Commission.

Mr. Callanan

Is the Minister saying that no matter what they do he will never attempt to use the veto?

Mr. Clinton

There are certain things within the Commission's competence. These things can be brought to the Council on the request of a member state if the application to have them brought is made within three days. There can then be a discussion at the Commission and they can be amended or annulled on a qualified majority basis, but not by using veto. When the decision is made, even if a veto is used, it means no action is taken on the decision.

Dr. Gibbons

Do we take it that there is different procedure in dealing with the Agriculture Committee from that dealing with the Foreign Affairs Committee?

Mr. Clinton

Not on questions on which the Commission have the right of decision.

Dr. Gibbons

I understood the Minister for Foreign Affairs stated here that before decisions were taken an agenda was analysed and matters of importance to each nation were put up. Those were for unanimous decisions and non-unanimous decisions. Could this not be followed at future meetings of the Ministers for Agriculture before decisions are taken?

Mr. Clinton

It could provided we were dealing with proposals and not decisions. This was a decision that was within the competence of the Commission already. That was only being discussed on the request of a member state. This is a very different situation altogether.

Dr. Gibbons

May we assume that this decision, which is the basis of all this questioning, will terminate the effect of this and next year there will again be a proposal followed by a subsequent decision? Can the veto not be used at that time?

Mr. Clinton

No, it can only be used at the time of the proposal.

Dr. Gibbons

Will the Minister guarantee to the House and the public that he will do that the next time?

Mr. Clinton

This is something that is in the Treaty, which is within the competence of the Commission. I can do nothing to alter the Treaty.

Mr. Blaney

To whom are the Commission responsible in matters like this?

Mr. Clinton

They are not responsible to the Council.

Mr. Blaney

Are they not responsible to anybody?

Mr. Clinton

No.

An Ceann Comhairle

Question No. 50.

Mr. Callanan

Is the Minister saying that this question of veto is just something on paper and nothing else?

Mr. Clinton

No, but there are instances where the veto cannot be used. I am saying there are certain things within the competence of the Commission.

An Ceann Comhairle

We must pass on to the next question. Question No. 50.

Dr. Gibbons

What would the Minister consider a matter of great national importance to the country if this question of the agricultural market was not one?

Mr. Clinton

It is not a matter, as I told the Deputies, that can be dealt with in the way suggested by them.