andMr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture when the common agricultural policy for the sheep industry will be adopted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sheep Industry.
42.
It is not possible at this stage to say when a common organisation of the market for sheepmeat will be adopted. The matter is still under discussion in the EEC Council of Ministers but agreement has not yet been reached on a number of important points.
What are the points yet to be agreed in relation to the sheep policy?
The principle of public intervention, the method of calculating premiums and, in particular, reference prices, the principle of export refunds on exports of sheep and sheepmeat to third countries and the level of the basic price. Discussions on these questions were referred at yesterday's meeting to the special agriculture committee and we shall be discussing them again on the 28th and 29th of this month.
Would the Minister agree that it is a matter of some urgency that this policy be agreed because of the uncertainty among sheep producers in the country and the fact that so many of our farmers because of the nature of their land depend solely on sheep production for a living? Will the Minister endeavour to achieve favourable agreement on this matter as part of the price package?
Yes, in general, in the Luxembourg compromise proposals as agreed by eight out of the nine countries in the common organisation of the sheep market. I think, with the exception of the United Kingdom, eight of the delegations could accept the common organisation. There was one point to which the French were objecting as well but every delegation is anxious for a conclusion of these negotiations.
Question No. 43 for written reply.