asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the uncertainty surrounding the intentions of the EEC Commission on the question of suggested milk production restrictions, he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Production.
8.
The European Commission's milk package for the period 1977-80 is currently under consideration by the Council of Ministers and different countries have reacted in different ways to nearly all of the measures proposed. The discussion is proceeding in the expectation that some measure of agreement will eventually be reached.
In so far as I am concerned, I have made it clear at the EEC council meetings that while we have sympathy with the Commission's objective of restoring equilibrium in the milk sector by 1980 our milk industry is still developing and we could not tolerate any setback now to our plans for the continued expansion of Irish dairy production.
Has the Minister made any special case on the basis that the lactation of an Irish cow is slightly more than half the lactation of a Dutch cow? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the dairy industry generally is at a state of half development while the development in continental countries is more advanced? In view of the circumstances and in view of our special reliance on the dairy industry, more than any other country in the EEC, has the Minister made the case that the regulations to be introduced for the EEC will not apply to us?
The Minister has brought all the relevant factors to the attention of the other Ministers. Everybody appreciates that he has gone out of his way to publicise within the Council of Ministers the desirability of giving us preferential treatment as far as the production of milk is concerned. That was also highlighted at yesterday's meeting of the Council of Ministers.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any indication as to how much the co-responsibility levy will be for Irish milk producers?
This is an ongoing process. The session yesterday did not finalise matters and I do not know when this item will be finalised. The Minister will not let the farmers down. He is making every effort possible. We are all anxious to increase our milk supply and we feel we should get special concessions from the EEC to enable us to do so. That case is being put forward firmly, forcibly and vehemently by the Minister today.
Can I take it that there will be no imposition of a co-responsibility levy because of the vehement and forceful putting forward of our case by the Minister?
I do not know what the final outcome of this meeting will be. The views of the other Ministers must be taken into account also but we all hope that the outcome will be satisfactory for our farmers.
Will there be a levy or not?
Is the Minister prepared to use the veto if he does not get his own way in his efforts to protect the farmers?
I cannot answer for the Minister but I doubt if he will use it. I do not believe in using the veto at Community level. If Ireland used it today, Britain tomorrow and France next month where would the Community find itself? Negotiations are better than using the big stick.