asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the present situation in relation to a common agricultural policy for sheep, in view of the recent statement in Dublin by Commissioner Lardinois.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Sheep Market.
16.
Commissioner Lardinois has indicated, following the positive result of the recent UK referendum on EEC membership that proposals for a common organisation of the Community market for sheep can now be finalised without further delay.
Surely we had a similar promise about this time last year? Now we simply have the British referendum added in as an extra excuse. What immediate transitional arrangement will be made to allow free access of Irish lamb and mutton into the Common Market? We know proposals will take a long time. Has the Minister considered any transitional arrangement which will give Irish mutton and lamb immediate access to the Common Market?
The Minister has considered several transitional arrangements but all my approaches to the French so far have failed.
Is the Minister telling me that he has not found any of his considerations to be viable?
In my view they were all viable but I did not get them accepted.