asked the Minister for Agriculture when the next hearing in the Irish case against France in the European Court in relation to restrictions on the export of Irish lamb to France will take place; and if he is pressing for an early decision in this case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Court Sheep Meat Case.
9.
The Irish Government's case against the French sheep meat restrictions was lodged with the European Court on 10th May, 1977. Since then the case has been the subject of written pleadings which are expected to be completed in the near future. When the pleadings are closed the court will fix the date for an oral hearing. The timing of the final judgment is, of course, a matter for the court.
Can I have an assurance from the Minister that he has been pressing and will continue to press for a decision from the European Court at the earliest possible opportunity in relation to this important matter?
I am not so much concerned with the outcome of the court as I am with securing access to the European market for Irish sheepmeat. That is our objective.
Do I take it that the Minister is not pressing for an immediate decision and is not using every possible means to achieve it?
The Deputy already asked that question. There is no point in abusing the rules asking the same question in three or four different ways. I am not opposed to questions being asked but we are wasting time with repetitive questions.
There would be no time lost if the Minister answered the question he was asked.
The Minister stated that the case is proceeding by way of written statements at the moment. When does he expect that the pleadings will be closed in this matter?
As I said, this is a matter for the European Court and I am not in a position to say how the court order their business. I urge Deputy Enright and his colleague, Deputy Bruton, to bear in mind that the prime objective of the Government is not a victory in a particular law case as getting access to the European market for our sheep meat. That is our objective. We are not particularly concerned about hanging anybody's skin on a masthead.
This is a very important question.
Question No. 10.
Does the Minister's reply indicate that he is not using the court case as a means of pressuring the French?
I have called the next question.
There seems to be an ambivalent response from the Minister.
There is absolutely no basis for that assumption.
Surely the Minister realises that this court case is to establish our rights to the French market?
Yes, and my concern is to see if we can break into the European market on a permanent basis at respectable prices for the produce of our sheep producers. That is the impasse we have been in since accession and that is what we want to break out of.
I hope the Minister is going the right way about it.
I am grateful for the Deputy's good wishes.
Time will tell.